The City of Grande Prairie is making moves to make sure the Bear Creek Outdoor Pool opens next spring. Testing started on October 11th, and some city councillors got to try out the waterslide for themselves earlier this week.
The revamped pool was supposed to open this summer, but the city has blamed colder than normal temperatures and several days of flooding for pushing back the date to 2019. Mayor Bill Given says he knows residents are disappointed, but hopes they’re happy with the final result.
“I really appreciate the fact that the community’s looking forward to having this here and I’m sure members of the public would have loved to have it available this summer as I know I would have, but having said that it’s going to be a fantastic facility that I think people are going to be very, very proud of.”
At last note, the pool was scheduled to open in late spring 2019. It was originally built in 1962 but was closed in 2013 when a large crack was found in the structure. A $5 million replacement was approved in 2015.
In addition to the three loop waterslide, the new facility will feature a tot’s pool with splash park features, a zero entry beach, Spanish steps, a games area, and lanes and jets for swimming. Given says the city wants to get it right before opening it to the public.
“Our city construction management team ensured that the pool was ultimately built to the [specifications] that should be able to last another 50 years like the last pool did, but when you get in and look at the amenities residents should see a completely refreshed facility.”
The final step is the commissioning to ensure everything like the water treatment equipment is running properly. Given says that’s being done now to avoid any further delays next spring.