Wet and wild summer in Picture Butte

Splish splash – Picture Butte families performed cannonballs and dived into the town’s pool last week, after the recreational facility opened its doors after recent renovations and upgrades.

“We got funding through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and so there was $250,000 around about that we could invest into the pool. The reason why we haven’t been open is because we sandblasted the pool basin to get all the old epoxy off, that was falling apart,” said Keith Davis, director of operational services for the Town of Picture Butte, adding renovations were completed in mid-June.

“Then the rains came and they needed three or four days where they needed clear hot weather so they could paint. It didn’t happen until recently,” he added.

Renovations included a partial deck and the purchase of a new pool vacuum and ladder.

“We bought a ladder to make it more accessible for seniors,” said Davis, adding a few operational improvements were also completed to make the pool last longer and more efficient.

Other municipalities throughout southern Alberta are looking at replacing older pools and recreational facilities including the Town of Vauxhall and Raymond recently built an aquatic centre.

Could a new aquatic centre or multi-use recreational facility be an option for the Town of Picture Butte down the road?

“I think this facility isn’t really family-friendly. If you’ve got a toddler or a two-year-old and they can’t swim, they’ve got no kid pool area to come and play and get used to water. I think definitely there is that motivation to make this more of a family-friendly pool and we can invite more people to come and just enjoy the water but it all comes down to the dollars and cents,” said Davis, adding the town has appreciated people’s patience, while the pool was getting an overhaul.

“We hope people come and enjoy it,” said Davis.

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