The Belleisle Community Pool is set to reopen on Jan. 17, 2020. (Photo: Belleisle Community Pool/Facebook)
Years of hard work is paying off for a group of volunteers in the region.
The Belleisle Community Pool is set to reopen for the first time in about six years.
“I’m excited. It’s been quite a long time coming,” said John Urquhart, president of the pool.
The pool first opened in 1981 following the drowning deaths of two people two years earlier.
But when faced with major mechanical repairs in 2014, the pool was forced to close its doors.
“We fundraised for three years and I think we were in the $60,000 range that we had raised, which was great. At the same time, that wasn’t enough to get it open,” said Urquhart.
In 2018, the federal government stepped in with $200,000 for a dehumidification unit, pool equipment, roofing shingles and siding, as well as electrical upgrades and interior painting.
“If it wasn’t for the federal government, [the pool] would not be reopening — right now anyway,” said Urquhart.
who’s excited!?! 🎉 we are!
Posted by Belleisle Community Pool on Thursday, January 16, 2020
Urquhart said the $60,000 raised by the community will be set aside for operating costs and future repairs.
The pool will offer public swims, swimming lessons, and group bookings for birthday parties and hockey parties, among other things. The rates will remain unchanged from what they were in 2014, said Urquhart.
“We hired an aquatics director. That will be her responsibility to get the pool rented and get everyone that wants to be there in there,” he said.
Bookings are currently being accepted for evenings and weekends. Urquhart said they also plan to have daytime availability once more lifeguards are trained and certified.
He said there is a lot of excitement in the community surrounding the reopening of the pool.
“Every time I make a new post on Facebook, there’s 20 to 30 messages. People are excited about it reopening, people want to book it,” said Urquhart.
A youth swim for people aged 13 to 20 will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. A family swim for all ages is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to both is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item.
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