New Wascana Pool concept design released

The new Wascana Pool could include two pools, a lazy river, waterslides and accommodations for people with disabilities.

The concept design was packaged with a report from the city administration to council’s executive committee this week. It lays out the proposed details of the plan.

The concept includes two separate pools — one for leisure which includes a lazy river, toddler zone, waterslides and zero depth entry and a second pool that would have lane swimming, diving boards, and a climbing wall.

The second pool is only proposed to be 25 metres by 25 metres. The report notes that, during the public consultations, some people brought up concerns that 25 metres isn’t big enough for training and lane swimming.

In the report, there are two other options outlined which would have 50-metre-long pools, but in one case the report said administration didn’t pursue it because the plan wouldn’t have enough other amenities to entice more people to use. The second option would increase the pool’s footprint and cost more both in construction and operation.

A concept design for the new Wascana Pool. (Photo courtesy City of Regina)

The report said that, for those who want longer lane swimming, opportunities for lane swimming will be increased at other facilities, and the need will be a top priority in the plan for a new indoor pool facility.

At the new Wascana Pool, the plan also outlines efforts to make the project more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and friendly for those with disabilities.

In line with the city’s master plan, the project is making a bigger effort to be inclusive at the new Wascana Pool. The project is expected to have universal change rooms and washrooms, accessible change amenities, water wheelchairs available, and accessibility lifts into all pools.

As for environmental considerations, the plan has tried to have as small an impact as possible on surrounding trees. It’ll use low-carbon construction materials and try to minimize water use when it’s built.

The project will also be as sustainable as possible, with water conservation considerations, and a high-efficiency water heating plan, LED lighting, and variable speed pool pumps.

The design is within the budgeted $15 million, according to the report. More specific costing will be revealed in the 2021 budget process once it has gone through the detailed design phase.

Originally, construction of the pool was expected to begin this year, with it opening in 2021.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an amended version of the story, with the correct budget for the project.