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Swim coach calls for ‘user-friendly’ pool in Aldergrove plans

I understand the Township of Langley has the opportunity to build another pool in Aldergove, which is a real bonus for the community.

Editor:

I understand the Township of Langley has the opportunity to build another pool in Aldergove, which is a real bonus for the community. This legacy to the citizens of Langley will be for generations to come that will make for a healthy vibrant community.

The ability to provide the community a swimming pool that will function as a useful pool for many user groups is paramount when designing and building this pool. The Township currently has two indoor pools, the Walnut Grove Pool which allows many different uses in the community to use each and every day and the W.C. Blair Pool which has very limited use for community.

Healthy living is a big part of everyone’s lives and the Township must understand that the community needs when designing and building this new facility. Short term thinking cannot be considered when coming up with building design. Pools, arena, fields, etc. do not have to be fancy, expensive and over the top.

The pool decks and change rooms could be concrete and not be tiled, the roof does not need to be too high, etc. The expense needs to be in the space and ability for multiple users being able to use the pool on a daily basis.

Currently the Township has the Walnut Grove Pool that accommodates competitive competitions in Langley. What is needed in Langley is another facility that can accommodate swim club, lap swimming, swim lessons, public swimming, therapy, seniors and young children on a day to day basis. In my opinion the W.C. Blair pool missed the mark in trying to accommodate the community on a daily basis, rather they built and operate a play/seniors pool that has a difficult time when it tries accommodating many other users. Some inexpensive design items were not done and therefore the pool lacks its potential.

Having a pool which has eight lanes is paramount for accommodating lessons, public swimming and user groups. Having a separate space/tank for diving boards, a slide drop zone, therapy area, water walking/exercises area will make for a much more versatile community pool.

I know there is talk about a portion of this pool being outdoors but this is not really a plausible idea. This would make for another WC Blair Pool which does not do justice for the Township and the money that is going to be spent. Short term thinking with regrets in the community.

Brian Metcalfe, Director of Swimming/Head Coach, Langley Olympians Swim Club, Technical Director, Trinity Western University