Bianca Bharti, Daily Herald
Kinsmen Water Park’s main pool launched its official opening Tuesday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said the city’s recreation manager Derek Blais. “We’re really excited to have this new pool and have all these new features… to make it accessible for all age levels and all physical abilities.”
The pool had a soft opening on June 30 and remained open for Canada Day.
In addition to the revamped waterslides, the new facility features an accessible beach entry, a tot pool, spray trees and umbrellas, aquatic wheelchairs and a six-lane, 25-metre pool.
Accessibility was kept in mind throughout the planning process, said the park’s aquatic recreational manager Lorri Ma.
There’s also a small basketball court and once the sod settles, there will be a grassy, leisure area.
The city funded the project, which cost $1 million, through a tax levy, Mayor Greg Dionne said. Construction began last summer and finished this spring.
“I think it’s great to have this facility in Prince Albert,” said Ma. “People don’t have to travel to Melfort anymore.”
During its soft opening last Saturday, over 700 people came to splash around in the water.
Throughout the season, people can purchase summer memberships or monthly recreation passes.
For children ages six to 17 and seniors, it’s $6 for public swim and for adults it’s $10. Families of up to six people pay $20 and after 6 p.m., all prices are half for public swim. Children five and younger get to swim for free.
Toonie Tuesdays remain in effect. The park also offers swimming lessons that run for two weeks, Monday to Friday.
In the mornings, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and from 11 a.m. to 1p.m., people can enjoy lane swims during the week.
The park will remain open until August 26 and people can book it for private functions.
Blais also mentioned potential for hosting competitive events at the pool.
