OSHAWA — After pushing for the replacement of the historic Rotary Pool in Oshawa, council has brought a new pilot project that will see the aging pool remain open during the summer, providing instructional programs and lane swims.
Admission will also be free during noninstructional hours. The use of the pool will be recorded over the summer months to measure how frequently it's used.
It’s a far cry from what city staff had originally requested, a complete $5.3-million revamp, but for local teacher Tony Petrarca, the project shows the potential to inspire more change.
“I think the fact that they are now running this pilot project, I think they are putting in an effort to draw people to the pool,” says Petrarca. “I think they’re giving the pool a fair shake and giving us the opportunity to show we want it.”
Petrarca wrote an opinion piece regarding the importance of the historic pool, which has been around since the 1960s and serves as one of the only outdoor swimming spaces in Oshawa.
Petrarca says the pool is one of the “unique” assets in Oshawa and argues the community "should protect these things."
“The big thing for me is that it’s been a staple in our community for many years. Once it’s gone, it’s going to be gone forever and nothing can replace an outdoor pool,” says Petrarca.
The fate of the pool had previously been debated in council, including the multi-million-dollar revamp and replacing the pool with misting splash pads as a cheaper alternative. There was also concern that the aging pool could potentially be closed as it continues to deteriorate.
Petrarca says he hopes the pilot project encourages the community to use the pool, preventing it from potentially closing as it continues to age.
“I think it’s really easy in our society to take things for granted,” he says. “When it’s gone and our summers get hotter, we're going to look back and say, ‘Oh, we used to have this pool.’”
As concerns for global warming continue to rise, Petrarca points out the pool could be a vital asset for community members who need a convenient way to cool off.
“I used to tell kids global warming is on its way. Now, we’re in it,” says Petrarca. “Our climate is warmer, weather is hotter and our summers go later, and now we’re thinking of getting rid of an outdoor pool? I feel like now is the best time to have something like that.”
Petrarca says if the community shows they want the pool, council may be encouraged to put more money into restoring it.
“People do have to understand that pool is not going to be the best it can be. Give it another year and that will allow the city to update the facility,” he says. “If people use it, that will give them the motivation to make it a proper facility.”
While hopeful, Petrarca says he isn’t sure what the future holds for the Rotary Pool but he is sure the community will feel the impact if it closes.
“We don’t really know the result, I think it’s one of those things where it’s a hindsight situation,” he says. “I think when it’s not there, that’s when we’re going to fully realize we had something and we let it go without a fight. Hindsight is 20-20.”
— With files from Reka Szekely
See the story on durhamregion.com
Comments