Attendance at Turner Valley’s outdoor swimming pool neared capacity for the short two months it was open.
The Town of Turner Valley opened Dr. Lander Memorial Swimming Pool to the public July 9, implementing strict procedures and limiting capacity to no more than 40 swimmers at a time to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 among staff and patrons.
A report of the season was presented to Turner Valley town council at its Sept. 21 meeting, showing 4,489 patrons used the facility over the eight weeks the pool was open compared to last year’s number of 8,343 during 14 weeks of operation.
“I was really impressed with the numbers,” Coun. Cindy Holladay told council. “Having it open only eight weeks to have almost 4,500 people being able to attend, I was actually thrilled. I just wanted to say kudos to the staff for all the hard work. It ended up better than I was expecting.”
Council made the decision to open the popular outdoor facility when pools and spray parks were re-categorized to Stage 2 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy from Stage 3 in June.
Administration established a plan to open the pool while accommodating Alberta Health regulations, the Lifesaving Society, Water Safety and Education and the Town’s director of emergency management.
“I think council did the right thing in asking the pool to be open and setting that task to administration,” said Mayor Barry Crane. “High River just started their rec facility back up after a six-month hiatus. It just shows that many intricate things are needed to deliver a service under COVID restrictions. I think the staff did a great job in handling those details and providing that service.”
Administration implemented a phone and online registration system for the five programs it offered: aquafit, lane swim, public swim, group swim and teen swim.
Patrons who weren’t part of a cohort were required to stay at least two metres apart from each other. Sessions ran 90 minutes with 30 minutes between to allow for a full facility clean and sanitization.
Staff implemented one directional flow in and out of the pool and limited access to change rooms, the report states. The front counter was barricaded and staff wore masks when they weren’t able to physical distance.
Chief administrative officer Todd Sharpe said bookings were taken online or by phone with up to 100 inquiries a day.
Preference for group bookings was given to Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Foothills County residents. Outside groups were able to book as cohorts during public swim times.
The report shows that 29 per cent of patrons were Turner Valley residents, 18 per cent resided in Okotoks, 14 per cent in the Foothills County, 12 per cent in Black Diamond and the remaining 27 per cent in other communities.
It also shows that most requests for swim times were accommodated. In the approximate 50 cases they weren’t, alternate days or times were offered.
Capacity was maximized most of the 62 days of operation, the report states. Of those, 12 days recorded temperatures below 20˚ C.
Monique LeBlanc, Turner Valley community services and business development manager, said the Town hired 17 part-time employees – five more than last year to help fulfil COVID-19 guidelines.
She said an additional staff member was added to each swim session to ensure distancing restrictions were maintained and extra staff were needed to book swimmers in to specific times and sanitize the facility between sessions.
The most popular swimming events, said LeBlanc, were aqua-fit and lane swim, which had waiting lists. Staff accommodated the demand by sectioning off a few lanes during slower times.
“Public swims were usually full booked, especially on hot days, and group swim sessions were also popular as families and cohort groups were able to share space in an uncrowded setting,” she said.
Administration increased pool capacity by adding three hours of lane swimming, converting teen swim to public swim and allowing cohorts to book into public swims when space was available.
“2020 presented challenges we could have never predicted, but it also brought out the best in our staff,” said LeBlanc. “I will be forever grateful to all of them for the commitment and flexibility they displayed, every shift, to make the pool a safe and fun place to be for staff and for our patrons. Their ‘can do’ attitude and dedication was evident and very much appreciated by those enjoying the facility this summer.”
In the event the pool must operate under similar restrictions next season, the report recommends maintaining a form of group swim booking option in addition to pool rentals, combining a lane swim and aqua-fit program pass, sourcing and implementing an online booking system for group bookings and lessons, and considering a fee increase to offset increased costs.
Expenses and revenues for the 2020 season have not yet been determined and will be included in the Town’s quarterly financial report in October.
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