Wascana Pool Grand Opening Celebration
Wascana Pool, Regina’s new and highly anticipated community asset, opened its doors on June 8. Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina formally marked the Grand Opening of the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Arcola Community School students were the first to jump in the pool followed by a public pool party featuring DJ music, draw prizes and complimentary treats.
“Our provincial government was proud to invest $12 million toward the City of Regina’s Wascana Pool Renewal project, which provides residents and visitors a great recreational opportunity to join with friends and family to beat the prairie heat,” said Saskatchewan’s Government Relations Minister Don McMorris. “Thanks to the facility’s inclusive and accessible design, this completed project certainly makes a big splash and I encourage everyone to visit the new and improved Wascana Pool in the heart of the Queen City.”
The Wascana Pool renewal project cost $16.4 million. The Government of Saskatchewan provided $12 million in funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). The City contributed the remaining $4.4 million.
“Wascana Pool is the most exciting community asset we’ve opened since Mosaic Stadium,” said Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “This is a once-in-a-generation outdoor destination for Regina residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. We are grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for their generous contribution to help bring this to life. The project is a testament to our shared commitment with our provincial partner to foster a vibrant, active community and enhance the quality of life for our residents during the hot summer months.”
Of the design, Masters added, “through strong public engagement and ensuring we kept inclusivity top of mind, Regina can proudly say we have one of the most accessible outdoor pools in the country.”
Local Anishnaabe-Saulteaux artist from the Key First Nation, Larissa Kitchemonia, also spoke at the event. Kitchemonia designed the entrance gate, a metal showpiece inspired by the land on which Wascana Park sits and acknowledging the treaty quote, “As long as the sun shines, and the grass grows and the river flows.”
The celebration also included a commitment to bury a time capsule on the site before the end of the season. The time capsule will commemorate the spirit and memories of the old Wascana Pool that served the community for over 70 years as well as document the opening of the new Wascana Pool.
Party goers enjoyed the facility’s many contemporary amenities including waterslides, a beach-entry leisure pool, a lazy river, a lap pool and diving tank, a hot tub, a climbing wall and a concession operated by The Bannock House. Residents also enjoyed the accessible and inclusive playground outside the pool facility.
Find Wascana Pool information at Regina.ca/wascanapool