Ground broken for replacement of Vernon's iconic 'Peanut Pool'

Photo: City of Vernon

Ground was officially broken today for the replacement of Vernon's beloved 'Peanut Pool.'

Construction will get underway this summer on revitalization of the Lakeview Park wading pool.

The $3.3-million project received a federal-provincial contribution of nearly $1.9 million from the Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

"This project has certainly created a splash in the community, and the Lakeview Pool has been a valued part of our community, where years of treasured memories were made," Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu said in a press release. "I'm so glad to see the work underway ... making summer memories for many years come."

The project will include replacement of the pool basin; a new change room, washroom and mechanical room building, along with a small spray park.

"This is an extremely exciting project for our community," said Mayor Victor Cumming. "We've heard several stories from people who played in the pool as a kid many years ago, and as they got older, they brought their own kids – and grandkids – to experience the same great fun. In fact, I used to bring my own kids to play here and they loved it! This pool has served several generations in the Greater Vernon area, and we know this revitalization project will make it possible to serve many more."

The kiddie pool originally opened to the public in 1958.

The new pool won't have the iconic peanut shape, but, based on public input, "the site will still feature the peanut shape in creative ways, to pay homage to the former pool's design," the City of Vernon says.

The new pool and spray park are tentatively scheduled to open for the summer of 2023.