By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from Sam Borsato

Dive In – Slide down – Splash Away — Henderson Pool Has Re-Opened

Jul 15, 2016 | 1:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE:  Henderson pool has re-opened to the public, just in time for the return of hot weather next week.

The pool will be open every day from noon until 8:00-pm. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1250, while the pool’s capacity is 800.

With the popularity of all the new water slides and other amenities, it’s expected to be a busy place.   Jason Freund, the City’s Recreation Services Manager notes that while the facility has a large capacity, life guards will ensure the crowds don’t exceed the maximum numbers.

“The maximum amount of people we can allow in the main pool is 800 but, the grounds itself can hold 1,250 people.  a lot of people can be in there before we have to close it down to additional visitors.  But, we are expecting it to be very, very popular and they (life guards) will be keeping the numbers on track, and when it gets full we will have to close down admissions until some people leave and then allow more people in as others leave.”

While hot weather returns next week, the weekend is offering up some unsettled conditions, which includes thunderstorms with lightning. Freund explains that Henderson, like all outdoor pools, has restrictions if there is thunder or lightning in the area.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Week-in-review: Street sweeping, policing in Coaldale and #SlowYourRoll

Apr 13, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 12, 2024

Apr 12, 2024

“At the first sign of either one fo those, Life Guards will clear the pool for a minimum of 20 minutes so, any time there is thunder or lightning, they have to wait until that event is 20 minutes in between  another one.  So, as soon as we hear one we wait 20-minutes – if everything is clear we send you back in. But, as long as there is thunder and lightning, we have to keep waiting for 20 minutes of clear time.”

The officially ‘ribbon-cutting’ Grand Opening with dignitaries will take place will be held on Thursday, July 28th. After the ceremony, the Lethbridge Rotary Club will hold a free barbeque for the first 1000 people to attend, in the Henderson Horseshoe Pit area.

Challenges during the final stage of construction delayed the re-opening of Henderson Pool about two weeks.  According to the city, “The specialized liner in the new zero-depth entry pool requires welding at the seams, a process that is extremely moisture sensitive and has taken longer than anticipated because of rain showers. In addition, work on the liner had to be suspended at times because high temperatures made it unsafe for workers to be in the pool basin.

On top of the delay, Ashley Matthews, Project Coordinator, said when construction was fully complete, testing had to be done on electrical systems, pumps and filtration systems, to ensure the pool is safe for swimmers. All systems were required to run over a number of days, and inspectors from Alberta Health Services will have the final say.

Crews worked 12-hour shifts, seven days a week to get Henderson Pool open as soon as possible.”

 The project was right on budget at $10.3-million. Upgrades feature waterslides, a climbing wall, drop slide, one-metre diving board, spray park and a concession stand. Accessibility has also been greatly improved by offering a zero-depth entry pool, as well as accessible change rooms.

Henderson Pool will have between 15 and 17 lifeguards on-duty. Private space rentals will also be made available to host parties.

Once operational, fees to the new water park will be consistent with fees at all other City owned pools.

Matthews added that this is a very unique water park south of Calgary, and many communities have already expressed interest in coming to Lethbridge to check it out.