Lois Anderson has seen three versions of the swimming pool in Nipawin.
The swim coach, who managed the pool in the late 1960s, was there to witness the ribbon cutting of the new The Pool @ Central Park Aug. 20.
“I’m so glad we’ve got this facility. It’s just a gift for people who like the water that like swimming,” she said. “This pool here is amazing. It is one of the nicest layouts I’ve ever seen in a swimming pool facility.”
The facility includes a six-lane pool that’s 25 metres long, a hot tub, a spray pad and splash pool, and a waterslide that’s 6.5 metres high and 57 metres long – slightly bigger than Melfort’s.
Anderson said the pool was also painted in a brighter, more attractive manner.
“The entrance of the pool is a big asset because it’s got that walkway into the pool for people with disabilities,” she said. “We’ve never had that before.”
The leisure pool has a beach-like area that’s easy to access, while the junior Olympic pool has a ramp.
“This new centre improves the quality of life for all citizens, as this facility caters to people of every age group and ability,” said Fred Bradshaw, the MLA for Carrot River Valley. “Projects like this make our province a better place and I look forward to witnessing how The Pool @ Central Park impacts your community for years to come.”
The Town of Nipawin used slightly more than $1 million of its share of the federal gas tax fund for the project.
Chelsea Corrigan, the town’s director of parks and recreation, said on average, there’s 300 patrons a day visiting this summer, a lot more than previous years.
“The comments I’ve received have been nothing short of awesome and some of those have came from people who visited here numerous times,” said Coun. Ray Serack, who’s serving as deputy mayor. “Their kids like this pool better.”
Anderson said the pool will be even better once enough money is raised through Chase the Ace to make the dressing rooms larger.
Later that day, KidsFirst held a carnival on the parking lot of the pool to celebrate the 15th anniversary of that organization.
