Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest Park officially opens Saturday, October 16

October 12, 2010 (No. 50) –The Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest Park – Vancouver’s newest and largest pool complex -- officially opens Saturday, October 16 with refreshments, cake and family activities. The event runs 11am to 12pm at 4575 Clancy Loranger Way .

"This destination leisure pool complex is the first part of a stunning new community facility," noted Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper. "Well over 200,000 people have dropped in to swim in its first two months of operation."

The aquatic centre is the first phase of the state-of-the-art facility to open. It features indoor and outdoor pools, a 50 metre lap pool with movable floor, one, three and five metre diving, leisure pool with sprays, jets, water cannons, a lazy river, 70 person hot tub, large steam room and sauna and a fitness centre.

The remainder of the legacy facility is currently undergoing conversion from its role as curling and wheelchair curling competition venue for the 2010 Winter Games. Once complete in 2011 it will boast a new community centre, ice rink, curling club, library, preschool, field house and offices.

The complex is targeting LEED Gold certification through its use of numerous green and sustainable features including use of rainwater for toilet flushing, heating and cooling synergies, use of natural daylight and use of recycled and sustainable building materials.

The $34.8 million aquatic centre was built by the Park Board and designed by Hughes Condon Marler: Architects and PWL Partnership: Landscape Architects. The remainder of the complex is scheduled to open in 2011 and will replace amenities currently located at Riley Park.

-30-

General enquiries: 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604-873-7000 (outside Vancouver)

Media enquiries: Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at (t) 604-257-8438 or (c) 604-992-5646

Media: high resolution images are available for downloading