COQUITLAM, BC, Tuesday, May 1, 2012 – The City of Coquitlam is reassuring its residents that no decision has been made to permanently close Rochester Pool, despite some work being done to temporarily fill in the basin.

"The temporary work currently underway is being done to protect the infrastructure from any further damage," Coquitlam Manager of Recreation, Joyce Fordyce. "Before any decisions are made involving further capital investment to Rochester Pool or any other outdoor aquatic facilities and spray parks, a review of current and future needs will be undertaken. This process has already begun."

A report was presented to City Council earlier this year describing the critical failure of the Pool Basin and Gutter system that made the pool inoperable in its current condition. The estimated repair value was $170,000. The decision was made to suspend the pool operation for the 2012 summer until the results of an aquatic infrastructure study are completed.

"The current work involves temporarily filling the pool basin to create a sand area," said Joyce Fordyce. "Instead of simply suspending operations and not providing recreation opportunities for area residents, we are offering temporary summer recreation programming at the site."

The temporary solution is ideal as participants can still use the washroom and change room facilities and allows safe use of the entire pool deck for play activities. Residents will be able to enjoy an outdoor adventure play area with opportunities for imagination and nature play, building and creating out of large foam blocks and other building materials as well as water cannons and misters to cool down during hot summer afternoons.

Joyce Fordyce
Manager of Recreation
604-927-3591
jfordyce@coquitlam.ca