2 popular outdoor pools won't open this summer because they're in disrepair
The Glen Cairn and Thames outdoor pools are too damaged to open for the summer
Two of London's popular outdoor pools are in too much disrepair to open this summer, city officials say.
Glen Cairn pool, on Chippendale Crescent in the city's southeast, as well as Thames pool, on the edge of Old South, will both be closed for the season because of "structural issues."
"We know this is disappointing news for both communities as outdoor pools are popular destinations for individuals and families during the summer season," the city said in a statement.
"The city will look into options to offer families and individuals living near Glen Cairn and Thames Pool with alternative aquatic offerings at neighbouring outdoor and indoor pool facilities throughout the summer to accommodate for these closures."
Before COVID, the Thames pool saw about 25,000 users in a season. Last year, 10,000 people used the pool. The Glen Cairn pool saw about 3,000 users before the pandemic and 2,500 last year.
Both pools serve as community hubs for families and neighbours, and those who use them say they're disappointed that the city has allowed them to fall into disrepair.
"There are a lot of people in this area who don't drive, so this pool is great because it's easy to get to. A lot of people walk to it," said Debra Corns, who works at the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre and goes to the pool with her son. "A lot of people around here are new Canadians and this is where they like to go."
'It's been terrific'
The pool is next to the shuttered Glen Cairn arena, and families have nowhere else to go for meeting space, Corn said. She's worried that the pool will be shut down for the season — and that it will never reopen. It has not had many upgrades, residents say.
Mike Ferrell's son and all his friends learned to swim at the Glen Cairn pool. They live within two blocks of it, and these days, Ferrell would go there almost every day in July and August.
"Every night after supper, I'd go for a swim and to have some relaxation time," he said. "I'd buy a family pass to support the pool and so my wife and son could also go. It's been terrific."
The pool is busy with families during the day and lane swimmers during the evenings and has also had aquafit classes that began last summer, Ferrell said.
"The staff, the lifeguards, they're fantastic. But I think the city doesn't make this pool a priority for our neighbourhood. It's too bad because it's a fantastic little spot for the community."
Repair costs unknown
How much repairs will cost to the two pools is not known. Further testing is being done at the Thames pool to try to figure out the extent of the damage there.
The Glen Cairn pool will need a "significant" amount of repairs to make it safe, and there are few contractors available to do the work, city staff say. City councillors will get a report on the future of the pool and the community consultations that will be done at a later date.
Those who had camps, classes or lessons at the pools are being contacted by aquatics staff. Meets are being moved to other pools, and swim teams are being accommodated at other locations. Refunds will be provided to customers who would prefer that or who can't be accommodated through other programs.
The city has opened the Stronach pool already, and the other eight outdoor pools will open on July 1, weather permitting. More information can be found at london.ca/aquatics.
The Springbank Park wading pool will be open on July 1 and the other city wading pools will be open on July 4 or 5.
The city is also still looking for qualified lifeguards. Postings can be found at https://careers.london.ca/.
All city pools will be closed on June 29 and June 30 for aquatics staff training.
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