The Nelson and District Community Complex Aquatic Centre is scheduled to reopen August 6, the Regional District of Central Kootenay announced today.
“All our staff and clients are really looking forward to seeing the busiest aquatic facility in the Kootenays up and running again,” said Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services.
With the upper deck ceiling now complete, crews are working on the lower deck ceiling and expect to finish by July 19. Dan Maglio Contracting has been working with Morrison Installation to apply the ceiling’s spray-foam acoustical treatment to dampen sound and Kootenay Lake Electric will follow close behind to install the new LED lighting system for the pool area.
“I know families in particular are anticipating the pool reopening, especially at the height of summer when it’s important for kids and adults to improve their swimming and lifesaving skills,” said Chirico.
Regular aquatic programming including swimming lessons will also begin on August 6. Parents wishing to enroll their children in lessons can contact the NDCC to sign up now.
All employees have been recalled from their temporary layoffs and will return to work in stages between now and August according to seniority and their role at the facility.
“The Recreation Commission is really pleased with progress on the project so far given how unexpected this closure was for our community and how difficult it has been for our user groups in particular. We want to make sure that any improvements we do now ensure that our competitive and synchronized swimmers, seniors and families can count on having a really good recreation facility for the long term,” said Ramona Faust, Recreation Commission Chair and Area E Director.
This is only the first phase of the project. The RDCK will begin planning for the second and final phase of the repair and renovation project in fall 2013 when the community will be invited to provide input into further design options for the aquatic centre to make it a more functional and inviting space. Construction for phase two will begin in 2014 with the goal of extending the life of the facility into the coming decades.
The RDCK will continue to update the public regularly. The RDCK is thrilled to welcome everyone back to their pool!