The Centennial Aquatic Centre completed a series of maintenance upgrades and improvements during its annual closure, helping ensure the facility is ready to welcome swimmers, families, athletes, and community user groups this season.
The work, completed over the past three weeks, included essential maintenance as well as improvements to enhance the overall experience at the facility. Work completed included:
- Extensive cleaning and painting throughout the facility;
- Installation of new vinyl signage;
- Installation of championship banners celebrating local swimming achievements;
- Replacement of sand in the pool filtration systems;
- New countertops, sinks, and faucets in change rooms and washrooms; and
- New furniture and fixtures in the lobby, creating a refreshed and more welcoming gathering space.
The lobby has also been given a new identity, known as The Squall Zone, following a $5,000 donation from the Georgian Bay Squall Masters Swim Organization toward new furniture. The refreshed space is intended to be more than a waiting area, creating a place where swimmers, athletes and families can meet, connect, complete homework, or simply spend time together before and after programs.
“Investments like these help ensure the Centennial Aquatics Centre continues to be a welcoming, well-maintained and vibrant community facility,” said Michelle Findlay, Recreation Services Manager. “Alongside the necessary maintenance and upgrades, we’re excited to see the lobby take on a new role as a gathering space for the many swimmers, athletes and families who spend time here. The Squall Zone is a great example of how community support can help us create an even stronger sense of connection within the facility.”
Many of the improvements completed during the closure were funded through the Town’s asset management capital projects. The new lobby furniture was made possible through the $5,000 donation from the Georgian Bay Squall Masters Swim Organization.
The annual maintenance closure is intentionally scheduled for late August, when pool usage is typically at its lowest and many seasonal lifeguards leave for post-secondary studies. Scheduling the work during this period also allows the Town to complete maintenance and upgrades before fall lessons, swim teams, and other user groups return, while coordinating with contractor availability. The Awen' Waterplay, commonly referred to as the splash pad, remained open throughout the closure.
“Centennial Aquatic Centre is an important part of our community, supporting recreation, learning, competition and connection for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Hamlin. “These upgrades are an investment in a facility that is used by residents and visitors throughout the year. I’m particularly pleased to see the renewed lobby create a space where people can gather and connect, strengthening the Centre’s role as a community hub.”
Fall Programs at Centennial
With the upgrades complete, a variety of aquatic and recreation programs are getting underway this fall, including swim lessons, lifesaving courses, Tai Chi and Aquatherapy.
Fall swim lesson registration opens September 22 for residents and September 24 for non-residents. The updated swim lesson program introduced in the spring continues this fall, with revised preschool, swimmer, and lifesaving pathways.
Registration for Bronze Medallion and Aquatherapy is also underway, with Bronze Cross dates to be announced soon.
For full program details, schedules, and registration information, visit the Aquatics page of the Town's website.