Strathmore Aquatic Centre enjoys a month of full recovery

By Fernando David Moreno-Prado Times Contributor

After closing on June 6 due to the regional water restrictions, the Strathmore Aquatic Centre has enjoyed a month of returning to business as usual since reopening on July 2.  

The credit for the transition during and after the water restriction goes to aquatic manager Natasha Barron. She and her team were able to “pivot and tackle” the duties during the closure while moving towards the eventual reopening, according to Strathmore Recreation and Culture manager Marcie Mansbridge.

This was a difficult situation for the local community to deal with as the pool is “a very popular spot that time of the year,” says Mansbridge. She points out that the aquatic facility has always been a popular place for young people to meet and an employer of high school and university-age students as well.

“It’s a great place in the community to go and beat and the heat,” she said. “So, unfortunate timing for sure.”

The facility was unable to cater to free swim, public lane swimming, lessons and had to issue refunds for the month of June. It happened around the time that the school year was coming to an end.

The Strathmore Aquatic Centre is no stranger to closing on short notice thanks to the staff’s prior experience with COVID-19 closures, cites Mansbridge. 

“Our team is really able to pull together and do everything necessary,” says Mansbridge.

For the foreseeable future the pool is now open to the public for lane swimming, public and private lessons and certification courses. There are also water fitness classes, and the pool can be booked for rent by groups in the community.

The centre hopes to have a busy summer moving forward and provide a safe and fun environment for resident of all ages in the community.

This past week, the staff has been busy with National Drowning Prevention Week with programs aimed to spread awareness. These programs have included proper life jacket education, lifeguard demonstrations and pool safety games.

The Aquatic Centre has been busy with traffic and attendance comparable to pre-closure time but with the influx of school being out since the restrictions were lifted, explains Mansbridge.

“The overall attitude for residents has been very happy,” she adds.

The aquatic centre can be contacted at 403-934-3325 or online (strathmore.ca).