A ribbon cutting at the Co-op Aquatic Centre Saturday will cap what has been a big week for the Credit Union CUPlex project.
Three components of the project have now achieved substantial completion and two of the components will have their opening ceremonies over the coming week, according to the latest CUPlex update Monday from Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson.
There really wasn't a lot for Anderson to report in his latest update, for a change. Substantial completion has finally been attained for the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts Sept. 6.
"There's very little work going on at that building, which is a good thing," remarked Anderson, with some minor fixes happening there. The sign for the Dekker Centre also went up this week.
The Northland Power Curling Centre achieved substantial completion July 25 and "is all but done," said Anderson.
The plan is to open the facility to the public Sept. 29, with the restaurant and lounge open at that time. The official opening ceremonies are Oct. 27, though some events are planned prior to that time including an antique car show, before the curling ice goes in.
Work continues on the field house, with the completion date Nov. 30.
The aquatic centre continues to be a hub of activity as lifeguard training is ongoing and staff continue to transition to the new facility. Anderson noted training progress was "excellent" and the guards were feeling comfortable in the new building.
The transition has forced the existing Kinsmen Aquatic Centre to close earlier than expected. Anderson announced the last day for public swimming there was Sept. 11 with the office remaining open during business hours Sept. 12 and 13. The entire facility was to be closed completely Friday to relocate all telephones and computer equipment to the new Co-op Aquatic Centre.
The reason for the earlier than expected closure was in order for staff to focus on the final fit up and training at the new centre.
The Co-op Aquatic Centre grand opening promises a full day of activities.
A pancake breakfast is planned from 8 to 10 a.m., and speeches and a ribbon cutting is planned for 10:30 a.m. Among those attending will be Mayor Ian Hamilton and Pat Smith of Battlefords Co-op.
A "Surfs Up" leisure swim is expected to last to 9:30 p.m. and hot dogs will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. All food is courtesy of the Co-op and there will be some outdoor activities, weather permitting.
"Celebrations" to open the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts will take place Thursday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 21 with dessert at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m, each night. Harry Michael Dekker and David Dekker will bring the greetings for "Celebrations."
A gala dinner and the show by Colin James is to take place Saturday night, with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., supper at 6 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. The gala is sold out.
Sunday, Sept. 23 is the night for the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra to play at Dekker Centre with the show set to begin at 8 p.m.
