The finishing touches are being put on renovations to the Aquarena ahead of the Canada Summer Games, but the facility will not reopen to the public until later this year.
For the first time in nearly two years the pool is full of water, signifying the end of the extensive renovation project.
Among the upgrades are a brand new viewing area – complete with built-in seating, new lighting, an upgraded ventilation system, new accessibility features, and two new bulkheads – which cost $1-million and were shipped here from Italy.
A look at one of the new bulkheads facing in the direction of the new seating area.
Rumours have long been circulating that the facility would not be ready in time for the games.
Rayna Luther, the Associate Vice President of Facilities at MUN, says reaching the finish line was “never” in doubt.
“We always remained confident that we would finish on time. We managed the risks that came up with renovating an almost 50-year-old building and we were always confident that we would finish in time and have a successful end product.”
When the games conclude in August, the Aquarena will not be opening to the public, however.
As Director/General Manger at The Works, Craig Neil explains they will have some additional work that needs to be done to get the facility open for recreational purposes, including installing a new water slide. He says they hope to have the facility open to the public later in the fall.
A look at the facility from the shallow end of the pool.
