Construction will be getting underway this summer on a long-awaited Greater Vernon Recreation project. Today, officials broke ground for the revitalization of the Lakeview Wading Pool, also known as the Peanut Pool for its iconic peanut shape.
The $3.3-million revitalization project is jointly funded by all three orders of government, with a combined federal-provincial contribution of nearly $1.9-million from the Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting revitalization project for one of Vernon’s iconic structures,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Generations of kids have taken advantage of the Lakeview Wading Pool to cool down on a hot summer day. By investing in accessibility upgrades, we will provide even more children the opportunity to take part in that time-honoured summer tradition.”
“This project has certainly created a splash in the community and the Lakeview Pool has been a valued part of our community where years of treasured memories were made,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “I’m so glad to see the work underway to revitalize the pool, so that families can continue staying active, keeping cool, and making summer memories for many years come.”
The revitalization project will include: replacement of the pool basin; a new change room, washroom and mechanical room building; and enhancements to the park with the addition of a small spray park. The project is intended to increase accessibility for users and make the space more inviting and sustainable for future use by the Greater Vernon community.
“This is an extremely exciting project for our community,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “We’ve heard several stories from people who played in the pool as a kid many years ago, and as they got older, they brought their own kids – and grandkids – to experience the same great fun. In fact, I used to bring my own kids to play here and they loved it! This pool has served several generations in the Greater Vernon area and we know this revitalization project will make it possible to serve many more.”
“I would like to congratulate the City of Vernon on receiving this grant and breaking ground. The Lakeview Wading Pool has been a great community asset for decades, and these upgrades will make the pool a more accessible space where families can continue to create memories for many years to come,” said Amanda Shatzko, Electoral Area C Director, RDNO.
The Lakeview Wading Pool was originally opened to the public in 1958. Once the revitalization is complete, residents will notice that the newly constructed pool will feature a different shaped basin for accessibility purposes. However, based on the results of public engagement that was conducted earlier this year, the site will still feature the peanut shape in creative ways, to pay homage to the former pool’s design.
The new pool and spray park are tentatively scheduled to open for the summer of 2023.
Greater Vernon Recreation Services thanks the Government of Canada and Province of B.C. for their generous contributions to this project that will benefit our region for many years to come.
Above: Dignitaries from the Province of British Columbia and City of Vernon gathered to break ground for the revitalization of the Lakeview “Peanut” Wading Pool on June 14, 2022.
(L-R) Councillor Teresa Durning, Mayor Victor Cumming, MLA Harwinder Sandhu, and Councillor Kari Gares.
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