A newly revamped public swimming pool at Plympton-Wyoming’s (PW) McKay Park is expected to be ready to open this summer.
Work at the facility has been ongoing since late last year, and the province recently chipped in $194,000 toward the $470,000 project, under the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF).
The project is being undertaken by London-based Hollandia Pools and Spas.
It includes replacing the pool liner, pumps, mechanical systems, concrete deck, and enhancing the washrooms.
Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Gary Atkinson said the pool is a community staple, and he's thrilled to see it being upgraded.
"I think last year we had over 1,500 residents that took advantage of the pool," said Atkinson. "The work will help get us through the next 10 to 15 years while we plan our master plan to redevelop that area a little bit further. We do have a splash pad there now and we're looking at changing the whole pool around a little bit. Probably by that time, the infrastructure that we're putting in now will need to be replaced. So, we're looking ahead to the future."
Atkinson is thankful for the province's contribution.
"Times are really tough out there right now and any funding that we get from the government is certainly appreciated to help us get through this," he said. "We'll have the pool ready to go for swimming lessons and families to enjoy when the spring and summer time comes. We'll be ready to go."
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said he was thrilled to deliver the funding announcement.
"This is exciting news for residents of Plympton-Wyoming," said Bailey. "Investing in the McKay Park pool means that families and residents in the community will continue to be able to enjoy summer recreation and fitness activities at the pool for years to come."
The CSRIF is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years.
It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations, by allowing them to rehabilitate or build new sport and recreation infrastructure.
More on the program can be found on the province's website.
