New L-shaped Maple Leaf Pool will offer accessibility, areas for socializing

The concept plan for the new Maple Leaf Pool features an L-shaped pool design intended to support all swimming levels and allow for accessibility.

The City of Regina released the concept plan on Thursday, following community consultation that was held earlier this year. The concept plan was promoted for features that are expected to appeal to the whole family, regardless of age or ability.

“We heard from area residents that Maple Leaf Pool is a community hub and a gathering place for family and friends to spend the day together,” Mayor Michael Fougere said in the release. “We believe we have achieved a design that will best serve the community, from both an accessibility and a sociability perspective.”

According to the release, the L-shaped pool design was favoured by more than 400 citizens who gave their feedback. In addition to swimming areas, it provides areas for socializing and playing games in the water while maintaining deck and green space around the pool.

The plan also features a beach-entry or zero-depth entry to accommodate those with mobility challenges and young children. As well, the new change room and washroom facility also features an accessible lift and table.

The overall cost of the project is estimated at $4.5 million. Updated costing and a financing plan will go before city council as part of the 2020 budget considerations.

The project now moves to the next phase, which is finalizing the design and preparing the tender documents for construction. Project costs and timelines will be determined once the construction tender is awarded.

The demolition of Maple Leaf Pool began on July 24. Among the concept designs considered were a kidney-shape, angular shape and L-shaped designs, reorienting the pool so the shallow end is to the south and the deep end is to the north.

The plans were part of a public engagement session held in the spring. There was also feedback from an online survey.

The design concept plan is available on the city’s website at Regina. ca.

The city moved to permanently close down Maple Leaf Pool in the proposed 2019 operating budget released last year.

After an emotional response from the public which called for the pool to be saved, council voted to replace the Maple Leaf Pool with a new one in the same location. Council will have to figure out how it will pay for the bulk of the costs through the 2020 budget process.

We believe we have achieved a design that will best serve the community.