Coquitlam’s Spani Pool could be getting an upgrade.
Council approved spending $100,000 to study renewing the facility, which has been a popular summer amenity ever since it opened nearly 50 years ago.
“Outdoor pools serve an important role in the community of Coquitlam,” staff said in a report. “They enhance the range of aquatic facilities available in the city, increase opportunities for exercise and sport, provide additional learn-to-swim opportunities and are popular destinations for respite from summer heat, relaxing and socializing.”
A new swim tank is necessary to extend the life of the pool, but a consultant hired by the city will look at a range of options for additional supporting amenities, like an upgraded concession, picnic area and spray deck. Improvements to the heating and water treatment equipment are also expected to bring the system in line with current energy efficiency standards and new change rooms and washrooms are being designed to make the facility more inclusive.
The actual pool is expected to be enlarged as well and may even be relocated to a different part of the current site, according to a staff report.
“Different configurations will be considered and different considerations for how one enters the park and how the drop-of and parking works,” said Don Luymes, Coquitlam general manager of lands and facilities.
While a final budget is still months away, a staff report said a “high-level estimate” for the cost of the project is $15 million.
“A detailed budget will be developed once the design process is concluded,” the document noted.
Everyone at the council table supported moving ahead with the pool renewal process.
Coun. Chris Wilson said he was happy to see the city re-committing to outdoor pools after the closure of Rochester Pool several years ago, while Coun. Bonita Zarrillo called the facilities the city’s core service.
“Coquitlam grew up with those pools and to see their continued functionality is promising and really worth the effort,” said Mayor Richard Stewart.
Stewart also suggested the city contemplate a name change for the facility, which is named after a former parks board commissioner and developer.
“I don’t know that there is a reason to continue that beyond the present if we go a point where we have substantially changed the building,” Stewart said, later adding: “That’s just my preference.”
