Architect’s drawings have created a vision for Barrhead’s proposed new aquatic centre. The pre-design plans include a six-lane competition pool, waterslide, lazy river, spray park, leisure pool and hot tub.
Another idea presented by Edmonton-based Barr Ryder is a flowrider for stand up and belly board surfing.
People are now being urged to complete surveys, saying what they want inside the aquatic centre. Completed forms should be sent to the Town office by June 30.
“We need your input,” Barrhead &District Agrena Society president Shannon Carlson said. “Whatever you feel you want to see in your pool we want to hear about it.”
The public will be able to vote on the project through a plebiscite this year. They will be asked whether money should be borrowed to finance it.
If the project proceeds, the facility will be built at a five-acre parcel of land at the corner of 49 Street and 58 Avenue, across from the Petro-Canada gas station.
Town Council recently bought the raw land from the Schneider family for $175,000. It is part of a 14-acre plot, within sight of the Shepherd’s Care facility.
The Barr Ryder drawings were unveiled last Friday at the Agrena Society’s Open House at the Multi-Purpose Room.
Copies of the survey were available. There were also forms for those wishing to help the fundraising effort. In them, businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to give contact information and specify what kind of support they can give – funding, in-kind donations, or physical help, such as selling tickets and working at concessions.
Highlight of the event was the 50/50 lottery draw, part of a fundraising campaign for the centre, which is expected to cost $12-15 million.
After Carlson turned the drum, Barrhead RCMP officer Const. Craig Connolly drew the winning ticket.
The winners were Barrhead’s George and Gisela Brown, who scooped $33,280. They are said to have recently moved here.
Dozens of people watched as Carlson announced the winners. Among those present were Barrhead Reeve Bill Lee, Mayor Brian Schulz, and several Town and County councillors.
Later Carlson phoned the Browns to tell them the good news. Naturally they were delighted and stunned.
“Oh my God!” is what Mrs. Brown is reported to have exclaimed.
The couple will be presented with the money at on Wednesday.
Earlier Carlson saluted the fundraising effort of his team, singling out the ticket selling efforts of Carla Carlson and Barrhead County coun. Bill Lane.
“We raised close to the amount it took to build the original pool,” he said. “But we are a long ways from home.”
Lee said the Agrena Society had done a great fundraising job. While there was expectation of substantial government assistance, money would have to be generated locally, he said.
“It’s still going to come from the community,” he said. “It’s going to come out of your taxes or whatever.”
Schulz said the pool project was a great long-term venture geared for young and old.
“You’ve got to realize this isn’t just a money issue,” he said. “This is a way of life that we’ve known in Barrhead and that we must continue.”
Schulz said the project would take a huge effort by all parts of the community, including the County, businesses, retired people and the young.
“Kudos to the County for being here and being at the table,” he said. “We can’t do it alone.”
Steve Lyster, who was MC for the evening, said the community had a way of coming together when needed, as exemplified by Habitat for Humanity
“If we have a goal and a purpose we can make something fly,” he said.
Co-op president Allan Cote, who is on the fundraising committee, said he was impressed by the architectural drawings. He believed the wave rider for surfing would be a huge attraction.
Cote appealed for people to tell their councillors about the importance of getting a pool.
“This is a must for our community as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “I think this will be a big drawing card for us. It will mean added services for our community and it will be a selling feature for those willing to move here. I believe it’s a necessity for our community.”
Among issues raised during a question session were: hydraulics of the pool site, ventilation, condensation, and the future of the existing aquatic centre and the cost of renovating it.
The aquatic centre surveys should be available at Town and County offices and may also be mailed to residents. Once filled, they can be presented in person to the Town office or mailed to its address: P.O. Box 4189, Barrhead, AB, T7N 1A2. They can also be faxed; the number is 780-674-5648.
