Kentville Memorial Pool reopens after $500,000 renovations

Kentville Memorial Pool recently reopened after $500,000 of renovations were completed. The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage paid for the work. Kentville town council members and provincial MLAs took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 12. From left are Kings South MLA Julie Vanexan, Coun. Rob Baker, Deputy Mayor Debra Crowell with her granddaughter Lucy Morse, Coun. Cate Savage, Coun. Samantha Hamilton, Kings North MLA John Lohr, Mayor Andrew Zebian, Coun. Cathy Maxwell and Coun. John Andrew. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentCathy Maxwell was all smiles July 12 as she watched kids and families cooling off at Kentville Memorial Pool.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It’s a dream come true,” she said.Article contentArticle contentMaxwell took swimming lessons at the pool and later became one of its lifeguard and the aquatics director. She’s witnessed the many life lessons learned at the outdoor pool at Memorial Park and knows the significant role the facility plays for so many people.Article contentArticle contentSo, when staff proposed closing the facility for a year in order to do needed repairs, the town councillor spoke passionately about its importance and the need to find a way to have it operating this summer.Article content“I was so scared we were going to lose this,” she said July 12.Article contentCouncillors approved $500,000 to do the work on March 10. It included deck replacement, plumbing upgrades, waterproofing and resurfacing.Article contentMayor Andrew Zebian approached Kings North MLA John Lohr to see if there was any provincial funding available and the town applied for a grant. The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage covered the $500,000 and Lohr made it official during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 12, a few days after the pool opened for the season.Article content“These upgrades will make sure the Kentville Memorial Pool remains a place where residents can stay active and connect with one another for years to come,” Lohr said in a news release.Article contentArticle contentThe six-lane, 25-metre pool opened in 1960. Zebian asked people attending the ceremony to let that sink in.Article contentArticle content“Six decades of swimming lessons, splash fights, cannonballs, swim meets, hot afternoons and cool dips,” he said.Article content“This pool has been a place of learning, connection and joy,” Zebian added. “A place where children became swimmers, swimmers became teammates and teammates became friends.”Article contentHe said the town came dangerously close to losing the facility. There were conversations about having to close it for a year or permanently.Article contentZebian said he appreciated the work by staff and contractors to get the work done for early July and noted the town would be forever thankful to the department for its financial support.Article content“It’s just pure joy,” Zebian said, as he watched people swimming in the pool. “It’s amazing to see it rejuvenated.”