The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre has reopened after an 11 week closure that gave the 25 year old facility a $13.7 million makeover. “It’s very popular. We get 1,500 people through the doors every day,” said Charlotte Davis, director of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the City of Nanaimo. One of the biggest changes is behind the scenes. The facility’s aging air handling units have been replaced with a new HVAC system. “It makes the air inside a little bit less humid and more comfortable for everybody and it also improves the longevity of our facility,” Davis said. In the pool area, the aging Fishing Troller play structure has been replaced with a new interactive and accessible water feature. A suspended bucket fills with water before tipping and dumping its contents onto swimmers below. The lobby and guest services area have also been refreshed. Along the pool deck, a new mural inspired by Vancouver Island’s coastal waters brings a colourful local touch to the facility. Created by a local artist, the artwork includes hidden objects for visitors to find, including a birthday cake marking the aquatic centre’s 25th anniversary. The project cost $13.7 million, with $3.9 million contributed through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program CleanBC Communities Fund.
