Difficult to beat the heat without Henderson Lake Pool

Summer in Lethbridge can get quite hot. That’s why Crystal Baines likes to take her children to the Henderson Lake Pool.

However, since the pool has been closed for the season due to renovations, she’s had to find other ways to cool down.

“I was really surprised that they were closing it for the entire summer. You know especially with there’s not that many pools to go to. It kind of makes it hard to go to the other ones when they’re so busy.”

Baines, who lives close to the pool, says she doesn’t understand why the pool had to close for the whole year.

Although Baines wants the pool to be opened now, she agrees that it needs repairs. “Definitely improvements were needed. But we’re like I said just really anxious to have it opened and have it available to us again,” she said.

The city of Lethbridge says closing the pool for the summer will benefit the community in the longer term. Mayor Chris Spearman said it’s the only way to improve the conditions on the pool and enhance its amenities.

“The goal is to lose one full season of access to Henderson Lake and we’re going to have a far better pool when we finally complete the renovations.”

Spearman adds the condition of the pool became a safety concern. He said, “it was an unsafe and an unhealthy situation and it was important to address it sooner rather than later.”

The Henderson Lake Pool will re-open July 2015.

Baines said when the doors open next summer, she and her children will be the first ones in line.

“We’re really excited for next summer and hopefully it’s open in time for the season next year,” she said.

For more information on the renovations to the pool, you can visit the city’s website: lethbridge.ca.