It was the official grand re-opening of Henderson Lake Pool on Thursday. The over $10-million project boasts new water slides, a climbing wall, a one-metre diving board, a drop slide and a new Rotary Spray Park. The project improves accessibility by offering a zero-depth entry pool and accessible change rooms.
City officials and dignitaries celebrated the completion with a pool noodle cutting instead of a ribbon cutting.
A community-wide contest was held over the last several weeks awarding 2,000 people free admission to the pool during two scheduled public swims Thursday afternoon.
The Rotary Club of Lethbridge, which sponsored the facility’s spray park, will also provide a free barbeque at the Henderson Horseshoe Pits to the first 1,000 people.
The project was funded by the City of Lethbridge with significant funding from the government of Canada, government of Alberta and support from local community groups.
City officials said since the pool opened a few weeks ago it’s been filled to its 2,500-person capacity every day.
“The only complaint we have had are the long lineups,” project coordinator Ashley Matthews said.
“I want to thank the community for their patience as we completed this project,” Mayor Chris Spearman said. “I’m certain that our citizens will agree, this facility was well worth the wait. I am thrilled that we now have this amazing destination for local families and visitors to enjoy all summer long. “
Henderson Pool is owned by the City of Lethbridge and operated by Recreation Excellence. The facility is open to the public seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m. during the summer months.
Admission fees are consistent with other city-owned pools.
Further information on the Henderson Pool redevelopment project is available at: http://www.lethbridge.ca/hendersonpoolproject