Free Swimming at Outdoor Pool this Summer to Celebrate 75th Year

The City of Courtenay is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool at Lewis Park by offering free drop-in public swimming for the entire 2024 summer pool season.

The Wading Pool next to the Courtenay Outdoor Pool will unfortunately remain closed until further notice while the City continues assessing repair options for a significant water leak discovered over the winter. As a result, the wading pool is not expected to open this year.

For those looking for an alternative to the wading pool, the Rotary Water Park at Lewis Park is a free and accessible option to splash around and beat the summer heat. The water park is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

“We’re pleased to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the outdoor pool by offering free drop-in swimming to the community all summer long,” said Susie Saunders, Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services at the City of Courtenay. “We are disappointed the wading pool will need to stay closed this summer while we assess potential repair options; we know how popular the wading pool is for families who have small children. Fortunately, the Rotary Water Park is right next door for those looking for another option to cool down and have fun. We look forward to seeing everyone at the pool this summer!”  

Free public swimming for all ages is available during all open swim, family swim, adapted swim, length swim, and AquaFit.  

Registration and rental fees will continue to be applied to all swim lessons, kayak programs, and private pool rentals.  

As an outcome of the regional Comox Valley Aquatic Needs Strategy, last year the City consulted the community on various options for the future of the outdoor pool. Earlier this year, Courtenay Council directed staff to proceed with an options analysis to maintain the outdoor pool at its current location, the preferred option based on public feedback. The options analysis is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool and Rotary Water Park are next to the Lewis Centre at 489 Old Island Highway.

For more information on the Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool, visit www.courtenay.ca/pool

Fast Facts

People from across the Comox Valley visit the outdoor pool, wading pool and Rotary Water Park throughout the season.

• The wading pool is 65 years old. Routine annual inspections over the winter identified a significant water leak.
• The 75-year old Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor Pool is scheduled to be open for the season from June 3 to August 31. 
• The Rotary Water Park opened for the season on May 17.

Quotes

“We’re pleased to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the outdoor pool by offering free drop-in swimming to the community all summer long,” said Susie Saunders, Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services at the City of Courtenay. “We are disappointed the wading pool will need to stay closed this summer while we assess potential repair options; we know how popular the wading pool is for families who have small children. Fortunately, the Rotary Water Park is right next door for those looking for another option to cool down and have fun. We look forward to seeing everyone at the pool this summer!”