REGINA - The first season is in the books for the reopened and renovated Wascana Pool, and the occasion was marked by placement of a time capsule on the grounds.
The 50-year time capsule, placed on the west side of the property near the water slides, was filled with items to mark the first year of operations since the pool re-opened in June. It included letters from Mayor Sandra Masters, and Minister of Government Relations Don McMorris to the residents of the future, as well as a letter from the family of Darryl Abstreiter, the PCL site superintendent for the Wascana Pool project who had passed away before it had opened.
There were also several other momentos included. According to a city news release, among the items placed in the capsule were event materials from the grand opening on June 15, 2023; pool specs, information and highlights; news releases, articles and social media highlights about the re-opening; a lifeguard shirt; photos of the pool’s construction and Grand Opening event; and a USB stick featuring additional photos.
The time capsule site is marked by a plaque donated by Remco Memorials, with the time capsule not to be opened again until 2073.
“In 2073, future Reginans will be able glimpse into the past and experience the identity of our community from today,” Mayor Masters said.
”We look forward to many more years as successful as this one.”
As for the message they hoped the future generations would receive when they open the time capsule, Masters told reporters “we hope that they understand that we understood the importance of community gathering, and the importance of enjoying this park… and that we cared about community and bringing community together.”
Mayor Masters and Minister McMorris had the honor of pouring the sod over top of the time capsule as it was placed in the ground. Also on hand were several members of Regina city council.
The event brought to a conclusion the festivities surrounding the first year of operations of the new and renovated Wascana Pool, located to the north side of Wascana Park. The upgraded pool had opened in June and included several features such as two new waterslides, a new hot tub, a 25 meter lane pool, one and three meter diving boards, a climbing wall and other amenities.
The Wascana Pool project had cost $16.4 million with the Government of Saskatchewan contributing $12 million in Municipal Economic Enhancement Program funding.
The pool had seen a tremendous response from the public this year. According to officials, attendance for the first year was over 100,000, which compares to the 24,000 who came through during the 2019 season, the last time the pool was open prior to renovations.
Bobbie Selinger, manager of community and recreation programs for the city, said the “summer was really amazing. Every time I came here, you would see full grass, you would see people of all ages using every amenity. You would see lineups at the hot tubs, lineups everywhere. People were just really embracing this pool, and it was from babies all the way to all ages, all abilities. This is one of our most inclusive pools, and every time I came here it was really heartwarming.”
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the pool, with the facility having to deal with a bear spray incident on the very first day it was open.
“As with any new pool, there are some bumps along the way. We were able to quickly respond, specifically to the bear mace incident. We did add security both at the doors as well as some other security measures. And just along the way there were things that came up, staff responded really quickly, and we were able to make it a really positive experience."
In the end it was the enthusiasm of Regina residents for the facility that stood out for Selinger. "I know one day I turned on the radio and a resident said Wascana Pool made their summer a 13 out of 10. So, just a really heartwarming thing come here and see how much residents of Regina really love this place.”
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