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Given the reality of home-schooling and social isolation, the stimulation of books, DVDS and CDS is needed.
Libraries provide this for all ages, regardless of income. It can be done safely:
Remove all the chairs; limit the hours open; limit the number of patrons admitted;
Have handwashing stations at the entrance;
Limit computer access to 15 minutes if they are to be available;
Leave returned items in bins for 24 to 72 hours before being processed and shelved.
The Wascana Pool development plan, prepared by the City of Regina administration and approved by Regina city council, will now include a water slide, a hot tub, a climbing wall and a lazy river along with a 25-metre swimming pool. The swimming community requested a 50-metre pool similar to what had existed in the park for decades, so as to accommodate swim training, swim competitions along with fitness and leisure swimming. The city administration conducted a survey consisting of posters publicized in some city facilities and on websites, by no means statistically valid, yet constantly relied upon by city administration as reflecting the wishes of citizens. Requested meetings with the administration and the pool architect consisted of the administration advising there would be future meetings. Any of these that did take place consisted of no actual consultation and then simply presenting three similar options.
A book titled POOLS Aquatic Architecture, by Hughes, Condon, Marler Architects, shows the progression of pools designed by this firm, mostly by Darryl Condon, who is the architect the administration engaged. The facilities are beautiful and well-suited to their environment; most are indoor, multi-use facilities that make sense in our climate. A simple outdoor pool in Wascana
Park along with these other amenities in a future indoor facility would serve Regina well.
Desirable changes to the former Wascana Pool that appear in the new plan include ground-level entry, accommodation for those with disabilities, and an accompanying smaller, warmer pool for children.
However, a climbing wall, hot tub and water slide for a short season, crammed into a corner of a downtown park with little parking, are not desirable. Could some of those nice things not be placed throughout the city, particularly in areas where children live?
More logically, could they not be a part of the future update of the Lawson Aquatic facility, a location accessible to everyone that can be used year-round?
While the Wascana development has been approved, work has not yet started. It would be best if the city would revisit this decision and continue with placing a pool in Wascana Park. Our city deserves to have these other amenities in other, more usable locations.
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