Bella Coola Valley residents have always counted on the refreshing feeling of the Centennial Pool.
This summer the pool will open Tuesday, July 4 for public programming.
Jayme Kennedy, Central Coast Regional District Chair, said this summer the ovearching focus will be on lessons and upper-level training in order to crate a sustainable future for the pool in regard to lifeguard availablity, while also placing importance on creating a positive and fun environment for the staff.
The CCRD has also created an online registration form for lessons, which will hopefully make it easier for families, she added.
“The form prompts the questions regarding the child’s swimming abilities and depending on the answer provided, will suggest a level to register your child in.
Registration is now open.
Kennedy said the (CCRD) continues to pursue finding a contractor to complete some renovations and is now considering seeking an outside contractor.
“As with construction projects everywhere, projects got backed up, and the few contractors that do this kind of work were booked with jobs long after the initial work stoppages of the pandemic.”
Timelines and logistics around the retrofit will become clearer as the CCRD navigates the design and permitting process, but Kennedy said they are hopeful the work will begin on the project by fall.
Maintenance in preparation for the pool season has been underway since April, staff have applied a fresh coat of paint to the pool basin, replaced rotten shower panels, and repaired concrete decks.
In 2021, the pool was granted millions of dollars to upgrade the foundation.
The CCRD said they will try to limit pool closures as much as possible when the retrofit happens.
Statistics provided by the CCRD show in the summer of 2022, the pool was open June 20 to 29 for school visits, and to the public from July 4 to Aug. 31.
Swimming lessons were offered through four two-week long sessions every morning, with 157 children participating in 15 different levels of swimming lessons. There were 107 public swim lessons, 51 lap swims, 16 aquafit classes, 13 school rentals and eight private rentals.
The Centennial Pool operated seven days a week with no closures.
With files from Monica Lamb-Yorski
READ MORE: Centennial Pool a summer oasis in Bella Coola Valley
READ MORE: CCRD receives more funding for Centennial Pool project
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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