Rec centre turns 50

Photo: Darren Handschuh

UPDATE: 5:00 P.M.

The Vernon Recreation Centre marked its 50th birthday Wednesday as upgrades to the building continued.

A new healthy food bistro, outdoor patio area and expanded lobby area are already in use. New picnic tables and bike racks sit outside.

Phase two work on the back hallway is underway to install new disabled accessible doors to the pool viewing area and west entrance.

“Along with facility upgrades, City of Vernon Recreation Services will soon be issuing an RFP for the development of a Recreation Services Master Plan that will guide the development of programming and facilities for the City,” said Doug Ross, director of recreation services.

Among the considerations for the Master Plan will be current facility usage, including the Vernon Aquatic Centre. Staff continually track usage to determine if the pool is meeting current needs.

In 2015, there were approximately 200,000 user visits to the pool: 118,503 public swim user visits, 63,000 program participant user visits and 15,000 Kokanee Swim Club user visits. However, Ross said the facility has the capacity to accommodate these high numbers.

“Our legal capacity in the swimming pool is 603 swimmers and our largest swim in 2015 was 461 swimmers for Family Day,” said Ross.

The Master Plan will also address programming requirements, as many popular aquatic programs have long waitlists for preferred time slots, usually after school and work hours. Additionally, some user groups are not able to book the pool during peak usage times.

“There is a trend in aquatics occurring that indicates increased demand on programmed structured activities and a decrease in public swimming,” said Ross. “This change in use is creating more demand for swimming lessons, swim clubs, aqua fitness programs and other aquatic programs.” 

The Vernon Recreation Centre turned 50 Thursday.

To celebrate the milestone, there was cake, games and a variety of activities.

Doug Ross, director of recreation services, said officials chose to hold the anniversary events Thursday because it was only a half day of school.

Along with mini-golf and a bouncy castle, a Wibit – a floating jungle gym – was set up in the pool and will remain there through Saturday.

While there were two free swims Thursday, toonie swims will be held Friday 1:30-4 p.m. and Saturday 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Vernon Community Band will also be putting on a dance Saturday evening in the auditorium. Admission is by donation.