Welcome to the (water) Park City

Canada Day long weekend celebrations kicked off in Transcona with a splash.

Dozens of families gathered on the morning of June 30 for the grand opening of the Transcona Aquatic Park (1101 Wabasha St.).

"I’m excited to be able to officially invite Transcona to come and enjoy the pool," mayor Brian Bowman said. "This is spectacular. It’s important for Transcona and Winnipeg. It brings pride to our community."

Bowman echoed comments he made earlier in the week at the groundbreaking for the new Transcona Library, highlighting the importance of public spaces where the community can come together. He also praised Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) for his dogged determination in fighting for the pool project at City Hall.

"When council members collaborate, we can do great things," Bowman repeated, joking that he had packed two Speedos to try out on the new waterslides, one for himself and one for Wyatt.

"Not only does the sun rise first over Transcona, but now we have the first of its kind water park in the city," an ebullient Wyatt told the crowd. "This is what happens when you’re allowed to dream."

Wyatt, who was joined by his family, addressed the children of Transcona and Winnipeg before cutting the ribbon to officially open the $5.8-million park: "This facility belongs to you. Enjoy it! This is the place to be."

The new water park replaces the old outdoor pool at the Transcona Kinsmen Centennial Pool. It features a large pool with beach-style entry, four waterslides, diving boards, and incorporates the splash pad that was built on the site in 2012.

The project, which was initially expected to be open in 2015, was delayed for some time as council debated whether or not to include $2.3 million in updated amenities for the pool. In the end, the new outdoor locker and washrooms were approved, along with new fencing and landscaping.

"It looks sick," said Arian Andes, a teenager from Canterbury Park who arrived at 10 a.m. with a group of buddies to try out the new pool.

"I’ve been waiting for this for a long time," said Ryan Schipper, who lives across the street from the pool. "Expect to see me on the diving boards. Big time."

Garret Bruce, another neighbourhood resident, said he was excited for his young son, Emmet.
"I wouldn’t see why we wouldn’t use it all the time, rain or shine," he said.

Meg Madden, a River Heights resident, brought her young daughter Annie to the Park City to try out the new park on opening day.

"We saw it on the news and wanted to come," Madden said.

The Transcona Aquatic Park is open from 1 to 8 p.m. daily until Sept. 4. Family rates and monthly passes are available. For more information, contact 311.

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