The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation approved the VanSplash: Vancouver Aquatics Strategy, on October 28, 2019. The strategy lays out an ambitious 25-year vision for the future of aquatics through a city-wide planning approach. It makes the case for the significant capital investment needed to deliver new pools for Vancouverites.
VanSplash proposes a city-wide approach to planning future pools and other aquatic amenities and innovations. A key recommendation emphasizes the need for a mix of pool sizes and experiences, with pools categorized as small, medium, or large, and to ensure the qualitative experiences of pool users are reflected in the design of all future pools, regardless of their size.
Public engagement and advisory group
VanSplash was the result of more than three years of public engagement. During the engagement process in 2017 and 2018, staff heard from more than 7,000 residents at open houses, meetings, and through surveys. A draft report was presented to the Park Board in 2017. During the final phase of engagement a city-wide advisory group was established to review draft recommendations and provide insights to staff.
The advisory group, made up of 19 citizens representing a variety of demographics and aquatic experiences, met 10 times and presented their review and further recommendations to the Board in July 2019. Staff then integrated the majority of the advisory group's findings into the revised VanSplash strategy.
