Regina's Maple Leaf pool reopens after renovations

REGINA -

Regina’s newly renovated Maple Leaf pool will reopen to the public on Monday afternoon.

“I feel excited, really excited. Summer’s gonna be great,” said Victor Robertson, a longtime user of Maple Leaf pool.

The pool has been a fixture in the Heritage neighbourhood for more than 70 years. In 2018, the City of Regina was planning to permanently close the pool because of safety concerns with the aging facility. But residents rallied to keep the pool.

Robertson was one of the residents that presented to city council about the pool.

“It’s our pool. I didn’t want it to be torn down because of money expenses. So I suggested to rebuild the pool,” said Robertson.

Construction on the $5.3 million renovation project began in March of 2020. The city said the pool is designed in a way that makes accessibility a priority.

“It’s been a long couple years of them rebuilding it. We’re excited,” said Chris Prokop, also a longtime user of the pool. “It’s a great place to cool off on a hot summers day, so we’re excited for it to be open.”

The outdoor pool is one of just two in Regina to offer free admission all day.

“When the weather gets hot, I don’t want to walk all the way to Wascana, especially in 30-plus weather,” said Robertson. “And plus, paying for (the other pools is) kind of expensive, so having a free pool here is nice, in walking distance.”

The city will host a grand opening event at the pool on Tuesday, June 22.