Working together with The City of Calgary, The Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pool Association (COSPA) reopened Stanley Park Outdoor Swimming Pool on Tuesday, July 15. The pool was closed following the June 2013 flood, four days before a grand reopening to debut renovations, including a new wading pool.
“We were really looking forward to getting the crowds back [after the renovations],” says Mike Gavan, Executive Director of COSPA. “It was supposed to be a new beginning, but the flood washed it all away.”
Gavan recounts the shocking impact of the flood and the community’s reaction. “The area was so hard hit – there were bigger priorities than getting the pool going, of course – but people were showing up wanting to help. One day we had 50 people!”
After deciding the damage was too severe to reopen the pool for the 2013 season, COSPA and The City of Calgary set to work on restoring this important community hub.
The scope of work included extensive demolition and rebuilding. All fixtures, lockers, flooring and doors were gutted and replaced. The concession area was torn down and rebuilt with flood resilient materials and mechanical equipment was also replaced.
Contractors worked seven days a week for two and a half months and, while some work is still needed to get the pool to pre-flood conditions, COSPA is pleased to announce the main pool and building are open for the 2014 season.
“The building looks great! We still have a few minor bugs we’re working out. We’re getting the word out and the crowds are starting to come back.”
The wading pool is temporarily out of service due to problems with underground water supply pipes. An inspection scheduled next week will reveal the extent of the damage and the cause.
“We’re trying to get it open this season,” says Gavan, who is hopeful the July 2014 reopening is the beginning of a new era for the flagship pool. “There’s light at the end of this tunnel.”
COSPA and The City of Calgary Recreation continue work to erase the damage caused by the flood.
“We’re very appreciative of the work The City did. It was a big task.”
On Wednesday, Gavan spoke with CTV Calgary about the reopening and Calgary’s network of outdoor pools. Watch the video here.
For up-to-date information about progress at Stanley Park Pool, or for swim schedules, visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca.
(City of Calgary)