Vancouver’s outdoor pools and beaches will officially make their debut for the summer season this Victoria Day long weekend.
Lifeguards and Park Rangers will be on deck beginning Saturday, May 21 at the heated outdoor pools at Kits Beach, Second Beach in Stanley Park, New Brighton Park in East Vancouver, as well as Hillcrest Centre’s outdoor pool.
Kerrisdale’s Maple Grove Pool will open Saturday, June 18.
Eleven beaches around Vancouver will also be patrolled by rangers and lifeguards beginning this weekend, daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Labour Day (closing at 9 p.m. from mid-June to mid-August).
“Outdoor pools are cherished by residents. The Park Board is soon beginning the most ambitious review of aquatic services in the last 15 years,” said Vancouver Park Board chair Sarah Kirby-Yung. “This is a reflection of the priority this Board places on expanding pool facilities for our residents.”
Energy conservation projects are still underway at Kitsilano Beach pool and Second Beach pool. This is the second year windbreaks are being installed at the seaside facilities to help reduce heat-loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The Park Board reports last year’s windbreaks lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 220 metric tonnes, equal to removing 46 cars from the road.
Kids can also make use of the city’s supply of water parks, which will be fully operational beginning this weekend, except for the Lumberman’s Arch park opening in June due to repairs.
But with the expected rise in park use, the City wants to remind visitors that all beaches and parks are smoke-free and fire-free. Dogs are also not permitted on beaches and must be leashed in all parks, except designated off-leash areas.
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