The paddling pool at the Churchill Playpark is going to be replaced.
Council awarded a contract to Paradise Pools for $343,031.42, which was below the budget estimate of $400,000, during the July 12 meeting.
“From previous consultations during the budget process, I believe this proposal budget is in line with any other we will receive, and it is from a very reputable company in this industry,” said Rod March, the city’s manager of parks and facilities.
Work will begin this year on the foundation and mechanical components, but delays in liners and other products will delay completion to the spring of 2022.
The remainder of the $400,000 in the budget will be needed, he said, to upgrade the electrical, sanitary and water delivery to this site, which was not in scope of the original request for proposals (RFP).
Paradise Pool was the only company to submit a response to an RFP. The company’s proposal met or exceeded the minimum criteria in the RFP.
March noted there is a significant wait time of up to five months for certain components for pools. The city’s request for proposal did specify project completion in 2021 and Paradise has indicated that is not possible given the delays in product manufacturing and delivery.
The new paddling pool would have relatively similar dimensions as the existing one to avoid any foundation issues, and March said the city has opted for superior materials, products and craftsmanship over any extra gadgets or toys.
This proposal, if implemented, will deliver a facility that will last many years, meet regulatory requirements and be low maintenance.
Discussion did shift to the future of the city’s paddling pools and outdoor recreation needs. March pointed out that previous reports to council provided details on the Saskatchewan Health annual inspections of the paddling pools. The common theme from reports over the past several years is that the paddling pools are not meeting today’s standards. At some point, without significant investments, they will have to be shuttered.
This is due to the age, weathered condition, foundation shifting and design of these pools, which he said are more than 50 years old. It is no longer feasible nor practical to renovate to meet today’s standards.
The city completed extensive renovations to the Hillcrest pool in 2019 and several modifications occurred to Rusty Duce and Hillside to extend their lifespans.
“However, it was always known their operability will end, especially with the fill and drain styles that are not filtered and highly inefficient to operate,” he wrote. “This was also the fate of (the) Westview pool.”
With the health inspector’s assessment on the Churchill pool in 2020 noting significant upgrade requirements, a report was delivered to council recommending replacement over extensive upgrades.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser noted she has received comments about the duplication of services with these paddling pools. March pointed out a spray park is $150,000-$175,000, which is much less than a paddling pool.
“From what we gather from the community, people still want the little wading pools and that sense of community as opposed to a bigger pool,” he said.
The city has three spray parks, but they’re all on the north side.
Mayor Roy Ludwig suggested looking at splash parks as a replacement for the individual paddling pools, and then an outdoor pool that everyone could enjoy.
“I’ve had a lot of people suggest they would love an outdoor pool,” said Ludwig.
Councillor Travis Frank suggested having one or two paddling pools and adding more splash parks, because they’re economical. An outdoor pool could be built down the line.
“Those are all a great way to make sure we still have the small community parks, which is important for everybody around, so they don’t have to go far, and kids can ride their bike,” said Frank.
March suggested a public consultation on the future of the paddling pools, because he believes something needs to be done due to the age of facilities.
