Park Board Launches First Phase of Pool Renewal Plan

April 9, 2003 (Release No. 16) - The first steps in realizing the vision for rebuilding the Vancouver Park Board's aquatics system were taken at Monday night's public Board meeting. Approval was given to appoint an architect for the new Killarney Community Pool, and approval was given for the scope of major improvements to the Renfrew Park Community Centre and Pool. Both projects are part of the $50 million ten year renewal plan for Vancouver's public swimming pools as described in the 2002 Aquatic Services Review.

A total of $8.9 million is approved to replace the existing Killarney neighbourhood pool under the Park Board's 2003 - 2005 Capital Plan. The Board and Council have approved $500,000 for this project in advance of the 2003 Capital Budget.

The firm of Roger Hughes and Partners Architects, which has extensive experience in the design of aquatic facilities, was named to provide architectural services for the redevelopment of Killarney Community Pool. The redesign will extend the range of amenities available, attract users from farther away, and provide more specialized services than currently offered. Following the development of the design concept, a presentation will be made to the community through an open house. Keith Jacobsen, President of the Killarney Community Centre Society, had this to say: "The community is pleased to be working with the Park Board and the architects on this exciting project, and we all look forward to the day when we can take our first swim in the new pool."

The Board also approved an extensive infrastructure upgrading to the Renfrew Park Community Centre and Pool, being designed by Bruce Carscadden Architect Inc. The project will include building code upgrading of the pool and centre, replacement of the pool tank and filters, and replacement and expansion of the deck, including a new, larger hot pool.

The Renfrew project total of $2,585,000 is funded from existing pool capital funding and a generous and substantial donation of $390,000 from the Renfrew Park Community Association.

The Aquatic Services Review  [9Mb] addressed the Park Board's ageing aquatics system which will reach the end of its useful life in the next decade. Recommendations from the study included rebuilding the city pools, improving the choice of aquatic amenities offered, increasing use by residents and providing a combination of city wide, community and neighbourhood focused services.

Contact: Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications at 604-257-8699

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