Construction at the Bear Creek Pool site is expanding this week. The contractor is doing underground drilling in the area between the pavilion and the pool to run water and power lines.
Muskoseepi Park Customer Service Manager Chad Cronk says the area blocked off by barricades has moved a little outside of what was already fenced off, and will run up against a couple of trails.
“We’re trying to minimize any impacts, so we’re not looking at closing anything, however, it might be a little bit further walk to the spray park, to the tennis courts, and the basketball courts in behind the pool.”
The barricades will be in place until Friday, August 25th, but because the work is underground, any rain during that time could set it back by a day or two.
The contractor has put off working on connections that might turn off the water at the spray park until it is closed. That happened on August 31st in 2016, and Cronk says they’re likely looking at a similar timeline this year. However, he’d like to hold off until after the long weekend if possible.
Grande Prairie city council approved renovating the pool this spring, and construction is reportedly still on schedule to be done in time for next summer. The $4.5 million project will include a triple-loop slide, a tot’s pool, spanish steps and lily island.
“The layout of the pool is going to be family friendly for everybody from two year olds up to 60 year olds,” says Cronk. “There’s going to be stuff in there for everybody to do. It’s going to be an amazing attraction down here at the park… to beat the heat and get some summer respite in a nice, cool outdoor pool.”
The pool was originally built in 1962, but was closed in 2013 when a large crack was noticed in the structure.
