The swimming pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park won’t be available to visitors until next summer, after the provincial government tore out the pool to make way for a new complex.
The province provided funding for the construction of a new pool in the 2019-2020 budget, according to a news release. Demolition of the former pool has already taken place. The final drawings will be complete by May and the tendered construction contract is expected to be in place by mid-June. Construction is planned to begin this summer and will continue through the fall and early winter.
“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that the swimming pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is a key attraction for visitors,” said Gene Makowsky, minister of Parks, Culture and Sport in a press release. “We are pleased to announce that a new swimming pool will open to the public during the summer of 2020.”
The new swimming pool is being designed to meet the needs of many users. The pool will be developed using universal design principles and will include a sloped accessible entry for young children or anyone with mobility concerns. The deeper portion of the pool will accommodate lane swimming and swimming lessons.
Two new buildings will be provided: a change house and a building containing mechanical systems and admission services. Some existing buildings will be re-purposed, which will result in cost savings to the project, the news release said.
The original pool opened in 1972 and has been an important attraction for park visitors. Therefore, re-development is a priority for the provincial government. Preliminary estimates for the new complex including the pool, additional buildings and site developments are around $2.5 million.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is located 20 minutes northeast of Moose Jaw and offers a balanced blend of nature and recreational opportunities. This park offers excellent hiking and biking trails, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Visitors to this park can also enjoy migrant waterfowl viewing at Nicolle Flats Interpretive Area and on the Marsh Boardwalk.
For more information, visit www.saskparks.com, Facebook (@SaskParks) or Instagram (@SaskParks).
