It's approaching three weeks since the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre made its public debut - the final chapter of the $48 million town capital project that completes the aquatic/multi-sport facility addition.
It's approaching three weeks since the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre made its public debut - the final chapter of the $48 million town capital project that completes the aquatic/multi-sport facility addition.
While Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) general manager Robin Mitchell reports that memberships are considerably up - 47 per cent in July from June, the opening has been a major undertaking and has not been without its challenges.
“With any major construction project, there are deficiencies that the trades come back to correct during a warranty period, ” explained Mitchell. “Most customers have been thrilled with the end result. ”
Social media has been zooming with parents both pleased and peeved - from awe that a town of Cochrane's size has a world-class, one-stop shop facility for the entire family to enjoy to annoyance at project delays and oversights.
Canmore Mayor John Borrowman reflects on the kinks when the resort town opened its aquatic/community facility Elevation Place in early 2013 - six months behind schedule for the $39 million capital project.
“Any large capital project like that is going to have wrinkles and kinks, ” said Borrowman, adding that the initial backlash that resulted from the town opening the facility half a year later than they had publically advertised was softened with free memberships for the first month.
“That went a long ways to encourage people to come in and check it out. ”
Some of the concerns Cochrane facility users have complained about on social media include the initial opening delay by a couple of weeks, resulting in the first week of swim lessons to be held at the old pool; that some of the pools had to shut down for several days for filter testing; and that the originally opened fitness room for spin and boot camps next to the new Cochrane Sport and Physio has had to be reconfigured.
According to Mitchell, while “every effort was made the construct the spaces to provide sound proofing to walls and ceilings, we did not anticipate the level of noise vibrations that transferred through the cement floor in some spaces. ”
He added that new program spaces will be created between the original and new buildings to provide “natural lighting, rubber flooring and bright new colours that should meet the program needs. ”
Mitchell also said that users can help with ensuring pools are functioning better by ensuring they shower off any perfumes or soaps before entering facility pools and ensuring toddlers and babies are wearing secure diapers.
Legacy Wall
According to Gerry Murphy, senior manager of community services for the town, the fundraising total is up to $4.9 million and is “now closing in on the $6 million goal in the current funding model. ”
While plenty of sponsorship opportunities remain, the town is announcing last call for individuals, businesses and teams who wish to see their name on the Legacy Naming Wall - to be revealed at the Sept. 9 community celebration.
Those who donate a minimum of $250 by Aug. 27 will forever have their names emblazoned on the facility wall.
There are still remaining opportunities for naming rights - such as ice sheets, pool slides and lavatories.
Contact [email protected] to learn more.
[email protected]
