It’s the final countdown. Fifteen years after the idea was first raised, Drayton Valley’s new pool will open to the public next week.
The Ricochet Oil Corp. Aquatic Centre, to give it its full name, will see its first swimmers Sunday February 5. To accommodate the anticipated level of interest, there will be two public swim times that day; 11:00 am – 1:30 pm and 2:30-5:00 pm.
The pool includes an eight lane, 25 metre lap pool which is designed to be deep enough for safe diving. There’s also a leisure pool with a lazy river and multiple spray features that is warm enough for young children, as well as a steam room and a hot tub.
After years of planning and fundraising, construction work on the Aquatic Centre began in early 2021, with a budgeted cost just shy of $22 million. That money came in the form of $5 million each from Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley and a $7.5 million grant from the federal government. The balance was raised through smaller grants and a number of corporate donations and sponsorships.
The opening of the new facility means the end of the line for Park Valley Pool, which has served the community since the mid-1980s. Staff from the old pool will transfer to the aquatic centre. The eventual fate of the old pool building has not yet been determined.
It’s anticipated that the new facility will attract around 116,000 users per year, compared to 86,000 for the Park Valley Pool. Drop in user fees for the aquatic centre have been set at $9.85 for an adult, $7.85 for student or a senior and $6.85 for a child under the age of eight. Passes and punch cards will be offered at a lower rate.
