If our St. Albert council is really in a ‘let’s tear down and rebuild’ mood, why not reconfigure the Servus Place pool? We all know that it is under-utilized. Take out the water slide area, remove the walking area and make a decent-sized swimming area.
No, do not throw your hands up in horror. After all if you close Fountain Park for months what will happen when it is reopened and there is a little extra room. Where are the extra people going to change? The changing rooms leave a lot to be desired now. They are small and out of date.
Finally where are all the extra people going to park? If you close the Servus pool area, there would not be such an inconvenience to swimmers; you would probably need to create extra shower space. There would be no need to worry about parking.
Of course the best answer is to build a new pool. Why not be innovative and help to develop a regional pool. We are supposed to be part of the capital region. Much of the reason our pool is so crowded is that people come from surrounding areas to use it. That is the need. So before you get out your sledge hammers and hard hats why not bring the idea to the Capital Region Board.
This may necessitate choosing two other city council members to go and pitch the idea. I am sure city council could come up with two members to do this, although not likely without arguing about it.
Elizabeth Allchin, St. Albert
