So they are going to put a Loop system into Fountain Park Pool to help those with hearing problems – surely the first thing to do is put in a sound system that works. Better yet why not put in a water heating system that works so that people can use the pool without fear of being boiled or frozen – sometimes we cannot stay in the water to listen to anything. Apparently the heat exchanger has failed. So the staff has to do its best manually every day to keep the water at the correct temperature. Why no new heat exchanger you ask – back in September they had to get an engineering company to actually agree to build a new one – well it’s December and it is still not here. The truth is we need a new water system – but that will not happen!
In fact another pool is also needed. I know there is going to be uproar at this suggestion – we have Servus Place but the pool is inadequate as a swimming, teaching facility. It is basically a water slide pool, yes there’s a stream to walk through, a few swimming lanes but the water is too hot for lots of exercise and space is limited. So while the city is planning another library and more ice rinks let’s throw a pool into the mix. I know they got 200 people to ask for the library but if you want to see need in action – come to the pool on the days when registration takes place for swimming lessons! People are lined up outside the doors of the entrance on those days from about 6.30 a.m. when registration starts at 9 a.m. A good number of these people get turned away. When lessons start there is often a struggle for water space. How do I know? I regularly attend seniors’ aquasize classes; have done so for many years. We see all the children and families – we often share some space; changing areas are interesting!
Many of the young people who use our pool come from schools in Sturgeon County – Let’s really become part of the Capital Region; get those attending the meetings of the Capital Region Board to work together to get funding for a regional pool in our area. Put it in a place easily reached, not built on a swamp so a lot of money is sunk into pilings. Ask one or two of the wonderful developers in this area to put some funding into a new pool – let’s see if they are really into community development!
Yes, libraries and ice are important, but swimming, recreation and exercise are essential. Learning to swim can be a life saver, as can moving in the water as you get older!
Liz Allchin, St. Albert
