An updated design for the coming West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre (WPSRCC) was presented at the October 11 WPSRCC Board meeting. The design was prepared by CS&P Architects and the Gordon + Gordon Group, providing a more up to date representation of how the facility will function and look.
The single-storey, 43,000 square-foot building has been designed to maximize efficiency while realizing the goals and priorities shared by partners and the community. Design highlights include:
- Six-lane pool
- Therapy pool
- Indoor track
- Common rooms for cultural activities
- Fitness studio
- Double gymnasium
- Strength and Conditioning area
- Family change room
- Female change room
- Male change room
“This design is the result of a lot of work and collaboration by the team to ensure we can deliver the essential components of the facility in a fiscally responsible way,” says Donald Sanderson, Chair of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre Board. “We are aware that the community has been eager to hear what’s happening with this project and we appreciate everyone’s patience. Seeing this updated vision for the facility is a pivotal step.”
A recording of the meeting, including the presentation from CS&P Architects, is available on the Parry Sound YouTube page.
i would think the Lap Pool would be better placed in front of the Therapeutic Pool for easier viewing from the viewing stands.
Thank you for your support and comment Phil. We will be submitting this to the design team.
I completely agree with this and was going to make the same comment.
Why is there know inside squash court or tennis or volleyball also Walking path or concession stand area or gymnastics or dance studio or a kids daycare area or activity room for after school programs like karate, art etc.
The design team has included some of your ideas in the draft drawing. There will certainly be requests for additional facilities as we grow. Thank you for your support.
While all of those are great ideas, I think the cost of these additions should be identified and then prioritized before they are considered.
Our new Pool and Recreation Centre is also a Social and Cultural facility.
A place for parents, grandparents, supporters and friends to share the joy of participation. and fellowship.
The 6 lane pool will enable our youth to train and host swim meets through their new team, to be called Parry Sound Nation. These young people will form the foundation of an aquatic culture that will produce lifeguards, leaders and swim teachers. The pool revenue generated will provide 30% pf the sustainability costs according to the Bracebridge pool experience.
The Stingers Basketball Club will have a home that can now support their large membership and activities.
These are but two examples of what a viewing area for the lap pool and bleachers for the gymnasium could encourage. These two additions would promote the diverse WPS culture as we share the activities of our friends and children.
In addition, these viewing areas will be an attractive feature as we promote the Centre’s membership drive and financial sustainability.
I love it!!!
However, as a parent and grandparent, I would like to see more viewing spaces for the pool. With meets and lessons, there needs to be more spaces for parental bums in seats to watch and be a part of all of the activity.
A suggestion might be to rent out space for physiotherapists and/or massage therapists to be on hand before or after participants have had their work-out. This might generate another income stream.
Great suggestions and thank you for your input and continued support.
This is successfully done in Toronto at the Ford Performance Centre (run by the City of Toronto)where physiotherapy, Neurochangers – a company that works with Brain and body (concussions etc) and other services are easily accessible to all. They can probably provide some realistic feedback on the success of their services. Great idea!!
I am very impressed with the general design of our new facility. I would like to propose 2 design changes however that in opinion would make a significant improvement. During swimming events which we hope to attract, or in general viewing of swimmers, we as the viewers need to be close to the 6 lap pool. The current viewing window design is directly in-front of the therapeutic pool which does not provide direct viewing of the 6 lane pool activities. I also strongly recommend there should be 2 saunas, one for men and one for women. Suggest replacing the current guard office design with a women’s sauna directly connected to the women’s change room, and connecting the current design sauna directly to the men’s change room. The guard office could be located in another area such as the mechanical room.
Thanks for your input and support Gary.
I am very impressed with the design of our new facility. I would like to propose 2 design changes however, that in my opinion improves the swim experience. In order to view the swimmers at swimming events which we want to attract, and for viewing general swimming, the glass viewing area needs to be located much closer to the 6 lane pool. This could be achieved by switching the location of the therapeutic pool with the swimming pool. I also strongly recommend including separate women’s and men’s saunas. Suggest to redesign the current guard office space with a women’s sauna with direct access to the women’ s change-shower room. The current design sauna location would now be the men’s sauna with direct access to the men’s change-shower room. The guard office could be relocated at the current pool storage space, and the pool storage room relocated into another space such as the mechanical room area.
Overall it looks good but:
1. A sauna was NOT a priority for the Citizens Advisory Group and is a huge health management issue as well as a consumer of hydro. This space could be better utilized as increasing the gallery viewing areas for either the pool or gymnasium
2. The income to be generated by official swim meets and basketball tournaments is dependent on parental and community viewing areas so please do everything in your power to increase the viewing areas with either retractable bleachers or more space for elevated viewing – at a minimum reverse the location of the therapy pool and the competitive lap pool
3. The workout room seems excessively large. Parry Sound already has 4 private gyms with workout equipment – none of which has reached its capacity for memberships. Let’s not compete with existing businesses when a reduction in gym size could help enlarge viewing areas.
4. The schematic does not show any major storage areas which will be critical for both the pool and gym – items like lane ropes, aquatic exercise tools, life jackets, basket balls, volleyballs , several types of nets all need dedicated storage which is dry, secure and easily accessible for teachers and organizers. In the gym area you will also need storage to children’s play equipment to be stored when in use by adults.
I agree with all Ann’s points.
Thanks for your input and support Nancy.
Well said Anne.
I agree with all that Ann MacDiarmid said especially #3.
Impressive, wondering what is there for the children in the community, wading pool, splash pad.
We hope to have many exciting programs to meet the needs of our youth, however we are presently focusing on making sure the facility will have the flexibility and resources to support all of our program ideas well into the future.
Thanks for this opportunity to provide input. I am most concerned about therapy pool design as it is designed as 2/3 leisure pool and 1/3 therapy pool. Could the ramp be located along side the pool like the lap pool and increase the size of therapy pool. Leisure/therapy pool should flip with lap pool so viewing of meets in the lap pool could occur more effectively. The guard and storage areas are far too small. This could be increased by removing the sauna which is a health, maintenance and safety risk for a community pool. As the lead member of the therapy pool/leisure design group it would be very helpful if we could meet briefly to discuss with the design architects our previously submitted recommendations. Thanks.
Thank you Deb for all of your support and teaching over the years and your continued help with our new pool and lets hope your design work on the leisure and therapy pool are successful.
The inclusion of a sauna is a very very bad idea. There are safety issues for people with undiagnosed heart conditions or high blood pressure. There are extra costs involved in regards to supervision of this facility as well as additional costs for insurance The potential liability for the municipality is simply not worth it. The space is better used for larger guard office and additional storage. As planned this area is inadequate for the number of people involved particularly with swimming lessons for young children. In addition there is a much higher cost to run the sauna as well as additional costs to maintain the heater when patrons who are unfamiliar with its operation misuse the heater and controls. Also the main pool needs to be closer to the viewing area During a major swim meet there could be several hundred people circulating through this area throughout the day. Having the therapy pool in the way of viewing their chid compete will not be appreciated With Few minor changes in design which would not add to the cost of building we could have a much more user friendly facility. Please bear in mind that the swim club will be a major user and contributor to the financial viability of this facility. Even a small development meet brings many people into town mostly during the winter who patronize the hotels and restaurants when they most need the business. Also the swim club members will be the major source of trained lifeguards and instructors. We will need a continuing supply of competent trained young people to help run this facility as they move through high school and then continue on to college and university
Great points Mac and thanks for all of your work at swim meets and coaching over many years. It is great to hear from you and Deb with all of your experience in aquatics.
a real viewing area for competitions and lessons. plus an area for users to eat their snacks in between competitions and activities.
Thanks for your input and support Cathy. We will keep you updated with the latest developments as we move closer to shovels in the ground.
1. Mechanical room and pool filtration: Why is it on the same floor it should be in the basement so that there is a leak in the pool you won’t be able to easily repair. If they take that out on the main floor that leaves quite a bit more room for guard office and main office.
2. Guard office is far too small, there is no changeroom lockers, office space. There needs to be enough room for at least 20 staff at minimum, and at least 5 staff at one time. Where is the desk for the Aquatic programmer? They need to be accessible at all times, and to keep an eye on the programming.
3. Main office is also not large enough, For our facility we have 4 managers offices and 3 programmers and then front desk staff. They will need far more desks than 1 for a manager.
4. Pool viewing is not large enough and only on the therapy pool side? Can they not do an top viewing area. Our pool viewing fills up during lessons and overflows during a swim meet (big rental and a money maker) Orillia has both a top viewing area and a lower one. That is best case scenario.
5. Saunas are a health regulation nightmare. There is certain criteria that needs to be met, how will you monitor participants going in and out if guard are on the deck?
6. Not enough storage space, you will find that even if you think you have enough, you don’t. Pool decks become crowded with equipment and it becomes messy and a trip hazard.
I think this is a great start but needs more livable workspace
As the Recreation Programer for the Bracebridge Aquatic Centre, your comments are especially appreciated. In addition to being a swim and Aquatic Fitness Instructor, your work to promote our new centre is invaluable.
Your comments regarding the revenue earned through swim meets reinforces how important a generous viewing area is for the pool. This would apply to the the gymnasium as well.
The need to increase the storage and office floor space has become a common theme as has the need to remove the sauna.
Thank you Meghan
Looks great! Would like to see pool viewing area closer to the pool and would like to ensure that the pool in Olympic regulation size.
Thank you for your comments Glenna. We have requested that our pool be 6 lanes and of regulation standards to meet the qualifications to run swim meets. My understanding is that our pool presently meets those criteria. We already have an olympic swimmer and coach, Dana Labrie, who has set up the foundations of a swim club for our youth: Parry Sound Nation. When we are ready we will put out the call for parents to fill the many positions needed to run the club.
The facility looks fantastic but the viewing area of the pool needs to be addressed. Ideally you want to be able to view the pool deck from above, specially for competitive swimming. If we hope to have a proper swim club and attract others for competition, we need the facility to be comparable to other towns like Huntsville & Bracebridge.
Thanks for your support and comments Garrett.
We know that for many years parents have had to make the trip to Bracebridge or Huntsville several times a week to enter their children into swim lessons and competitive swimming and I believe the McNabb’s were part of that. The Citizens Advisory Committee spent two years researching the best solutions for our facility. With the help from the many pool managers and our pool design team and our citizens, we are confident that our centre will meet the diverse needs of the WPS community.
Looks fantastic! I can barely wait for it to open. I also, suggest that the viewing area for the pool be along the length of the 6 lap pool area. A female and male sauna area would be a nice addition.
Thank you for your comments and support Deborah. The viewing area for the pool and gymnasium have become a common theme while the sauna is being actively discussed.
Totally agree with Debbie Kirk! Also the fitness area does seem overly large.
Thank you for your input and support. Although the fitness area takes up a large area it is the one area of the centre that brings in the most revenue. But then again that is why we are having these discussions.
When we host basketball tournaments in the gym how will we accommodate parents in to watch the games being played. I only see a small window area to view from the lobby. We need an area that can have stands for people to sit and watch the game being played.
Thanks for your comment regarding the gym bleachers.
The gymnasium is one of the potential significant revenue incomes for the centre and we agree that bleachers are critical here and in the pool as well. Hopefully this forum will provide the design team enough information to initiate the suggested changes.
There are already many valid comments above on how a few changes could best serve the needs of the community. I want to focus on the viewing area in the gymnasium. As the past president of the Parry Sound Stingers Basketball Club for more than 10 years I helped organize and coach the various travel teams we had. The club is growing exponentially and is only held back by our lack of regulation sized gyms to be able to hold games, tournaments, and practices. As a club, our teams have travelled to 95% of our competitive games and tournaments. This facility needs to provide bleachers and regulation gym spaces to be able to hold games and tournaments in our town. Our athletes are so proud to represent Parry Sound when we travel and would love to bring teams here to show our town off. As it stands in the current design, there’s no place for spectators to watch in the gym. As a result, there would be limited opportunity to draw in out-of-town teams to compete here. Adding bleachers and regulation courts would be a game changer for our Stingers program. PLUS all of the other sports program that would benefit from the space for families to watch – volleyball, skipping, etc. Please consider the value to the town and the organizations that would benefit from competitions being hosted in Parry Sound versus our teams having to continue to travel to other places. Thanks for the opportunity to give our input.
We agree with your comments on the value for our youth and community of a fully functional gymnasium. Our committee is working hard to ensure the addition of bleachers and adequate storage for the gym and pool. As you know we have a pretty tight budget but want to ensure the builders satisfy the needs of the community. Presently the total area for the gym is shown as 6,663 sf.
I believe a regulation BB court needs to be 4.526 sf plus room for run off and bleachers.
Thank you for your input.
The pool design looks great. Lots of great feedback and suggestions already. Since the viewing area has been mentioned already, have the architects considering using the area above the change rooms and mechanical room as a second storey observation area? This is what they have at the Bracebridge pool. There would be lots of room for permanent bleacher seats without increasing the building size. This is assuming there is adequate ceiling height for this.
Thank you for your support and suggestion Mel.
It turns out that the same architectural firm that designed the Bracebridge facility is designing our centre so they will be familiar with your plan. We have seen the viewing area that you describe and it would be excellent.
The facility looks great in general. I am in agreement with some of the other comments to date that a sauna is a medical issue waiting to happen as well as a cost burden to maintain.
The pool viewing area should be of the pool area where there will be competitions not on the therapeutic pool. Another suggestion would to have retractable stands within the pool area for spectators.
A wading pool/play area (slide) for smaller children would be beneficial to bring them to the pool.
A concession stand to be operated during competitions would a revenue producer, rather than just vending machines.
The number of treadmills while supplying a running track appears to be in excess and another major cost to maintain.
There is mention that this will be culture centre, I do not see any designated area for that purpose.
Thank you for your suggestions and support Ted.
Your suggestions will be added to the report that we will be forwarding to the design team.
To my knowledge, the cultural contribution will be one that grows out of the social contacts that parents, children, grandparents, supporters, seniors and all of our diverse community share with each other through the programs and participation.
The former Dartmouth Sportsplex was overhauled and they removed the sauna. It was broken more than it was working. Seemed to be subject to misuse.
You may want to contact the Zatzman Sportsplex (new name) in Dartmouth and get their perspective on why they didn’t put one back in when they updated the facility.
https://zatzmansportsplex.com/
Agree with other comments regarding the need for a viewing area.
Thank you John for your comment and support.
Although the YMCA seems to think that saunas are desirable the majority of pool managers run through town recreation programs seem to disagree. When we did our two year Citizens Advisory Committee research the sauna was not one of the items that was recommended by our report.
This looks fantastic and will be a huge boost to West Parry Sound. Has the architect considered creating a viewing space with bleachers above the change rooms and mechanical room so people can watch swim events in the 6 lane pool? Assuming the ceiling is high enough, that would be an economical way to improve viewing. The pool in Bracebridge has this and it is perfect as you are elevated above the pool.
Thank you for your comments and support Mel
If there’s an option to include a drop in childcare room that would allow more parents of young children to access the gym or take a class
Thanks for your input and support Elyse.
I think your idea of the Day Care Centre makes a lot of sense and we will suggest this to the builders.
The overall design is very attractive. There seems to be several things missing.
1 There are no doors from the men’s or ladies’ change rooms onto the pool deck.
2. Spectators seem to be an afterthought in this design. There should be a viewing area along the side of the pools.
3. There is not enough viewing space for basketball games. When teams come from out of town for games and tournaments there are a lot of spectators. Make the gym area much bigger and the exercise area smaller.
4 Take out the sauna. It is too costly and a huge safety issue.
5. I am surprised to see a single storey building. Surely a 2 storey building is more energy efficient. Maybe part of the building could be 2 storey. The meeting rooms could be upstairs.
Thank you for your support and comments Valerie..
A two story building would certainly offer more flexibility of features such as the viewing areas and bleachers. This will be one of many questions for the builders to share with the public.
At minimum, the location of lap pool & the therapy pool should be flipped.
I am not sure why a double gymnasium is required.
Addition of an area to play pool ( or snooker) would be a draw.
Some thought & research needs to be given to how often the various areas will be empty. Only areas that have a high traffic potential should be included. The more use it gets, the more support there will be. I am sure that info is available from other towns – but should be solicited from the people on the ground, not designers or others with a financial interest in selling a concept.
It looks like the double gym will accommodate 3 pickleball courts. These courts will be in use whenever possible. The number of players is growing quickly in the area and we need indoor play opportunities
Looks fantastic ! Only thing that I would love to see is a safe way from the south to get to the facility by bike .
Could some consideration be given to provide additional services and activities to the hundreds of thousands of visitors to our Provincial Parks?
For example rock climbing, or billiards as someone else suggested. As a store owner outside of Killbear, I am frequently asked what is available in Town, especially on rainy days. A small percentage of daily passes to these visitors could make a huge difference
Thanks for your support and input Mike. We agree with your idea of the day passe similar to what Bracebridge and Orillia do.
It’s awesome to have opportunity to contribute to the design.
The feature of this building in my mind is that it is a pool. In order to remain financially feasible it seems that the disproportionate space devoted to meeting rooms should be reconsidered. The sauna seems misplaced on the deck. Perhaps location of the sauna in a space currently designated for meeting rooms. Meeting rooms can be built any where in any community center whereas a pool requires special design and space in order to maximize the usability of the space. Please don’t chintz out. Give us the pool we have been hoping for. Thank you for listening.
It’s awesome to have opportunity to contribute to the design of our long awaited pool
The feature of this building in my mind is that it is a pool. In order to remain financially feasible it seems that the disproportionate space devoted to meeting rooms should be reconsidered. The sauna seems misplaced on the deck. Perhaps location of the sauna in a space currently designated for meeting rooms. Meeting rooms can be built any where in any community center, whereas a pool requires special design details and space in order to maximize the usability of the space. Please don’t chintz out. Give us the pool we have been hoping for. Thank you for listening.
Thanks Esther for your support and input. Hopefully this forum will encourage the builders to design a facility to meet the communities diverse needs.
I just finished sending my comments about a public pool meeting in McKellar that was not put in Councils public corrspondence, which clearly outlines my issues and concerns, FYI
Thanks for the opportunity to add comments. and thanks a hundred fold to all those who have brought the complex to this point! I realize that funding is the main issue here in asking for what we want.
A sauna is a health issue as has already been highlighted by those involved in other community pools.
Firstly, why isn’t an already functioning and great working pool design being used? Bracebridge for example. Several aspects in this design are lacking which are at the Bracebridge pool. Storage space, staff rooms and eating areas are lacking as is a viewing area on the 6 lane pool large enough to accomadate swim meets. Lastly I don’t feel we need common rooms or a gym area this large as there are several already in Parry sound.
Thanks for the chance to comment.
Thanks for all of the support that White Squall has given to the pool and recreation centre including selling the “Lets Make a Splash” t-shirts from your downtown store. With the 6 lanes we hope to be able to offer you a venue for your kayak and leadership courses.
The design looks wonderful. We are very excited about such a wonderful centre in our community. I would think more meeting rooms are needed. Some community centres have a dedicated Seniors room where there is cards, mahjong, line dancing, sit and fit every day. Also space is needed on a daily basis for children’s programming. Thank you for all your work in planning such an amazing facility.
Thanks Brenda for bringing these suggestion to us for sharing with the design team
. I wonder if the six lane pool might be closer to the viewing area, and if there could be more seats for those viewing. There does not appear to be a shower near the sauna area, does this mean sweaty individuals will simply jump in the pool rather than going to the change room for a shower prior to getting in the pool? Could the ramp to the therapy pool be relocated to give more therapy pool room for our ageing population? In the schematic, I could not see where observers would be able to use a washroom Without going into the various change rooms., But perhaps I missed a centrally located washroom area.. There appear to be more meeting rooms than necessary, and far less storage than is necessary, could a few of the meeting rooms be made into Storage? Thanks for the opportunity to give input
Thanks Susan for your support and input.
There are washrooms in the front hall across from the admin workstation. Hard to see on the small diagram.
We certainly hope that we will be able to have a dialog with the design team to bring all of these suggestions to their attention.
I think what is missing is the Pickle Ball courts There probably is space to both have Pickle ball in the Center and even 4 courts outside.
Today we are about 70 in the PB group that are looking for space to play. This is the fastest growing sport in North America and really covers all ages. Our oldest player is 80 plus and I play with my grandchildren.
Thank you.
Thanks for your comments and support Christina.
PB court space is certainly a need that the builders should consider a priority.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America and in this area. It appears that 3 courts will fit in the double gym. 4 courts would have been ideal…
Hoping that there are plans for outdoor courts as well
Thanks for your support and comments Brenda.
4 courts would be ideal!
Saunas should be omitted..health and safety issues.
No concession stand..some vending machines.
At least 4 indoor pickleball and more outside..
Thanks for your comments and support Alan.
While the design looks excellent in many ways, I am disapointed to see there is no rehearsal space equipped accoustically to handle any sort of music rehearsal by accoustic instruments effectively, n9r is there a place for plugged in bands to rehearse, no devoted art gallery/ painting/ pottery studio space to be made available at reasonable rates to local artists,, no sound recording or film editing studio, no theater space with minimal lighting or anything that would enhance and provide opportunities for community groups and aspiring youth.
Rehearsing in multi pupurpose rooms for bands, orchestras, choirs, and performing groups are like asking the NHL to hold their training camps on back yard rinks. The arts are not just a source of economic growth for the town. They are the basis of an authentic local culture that supports mental health, youth, seniors, and inclusiveness, and nurtures a caring, diverse, accountable community. Including some devoted creative space, even at this stage, would do much to make Parry Sound into the suppotive, unique, welcoming, inclusiveness community we all hope for, build excellence in the arts for our youth, and give us so much more to be proud of.
The pool viewing area looks a lot like the Innisfil YMCA pool design. I have swam there many of times. I agree with others having a better viewing area for parents would be ideal to watch competitions in the larger pool and for teams coming into town and their parents. Having it beside the Therapeutic pool – the small pool will block viewing to competitions (and too far for parents to see the big pool). When I have been at Innisfil sitting in the viewing area, really only a few parents sit there watching the therapeutic pool (most of the time those parents are out wandering around or working out while their kiddies are swimming with instructors essentially being babysat). I would consider move the viewing area over or somehow or add seating on deck (up high ideal). Or have on deck seating for the therapeutic pool or both. This is an example of how this pool viewing area would look as is https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/innisfil-residents-invited-to-just-keep-swimming-356462 without the 2nd floor. You can see how the small pool blocks the view and viewing is too far from the side of the big pool to see kids lane swim / competitions where potentially hundred or so parents will want to view swimmers.
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Agree with others on the sauna area – I would scrap that – it’s very un hygiene also and high heating bills to run (even more so than a pool). I would add more storage maybe in the sauna area (needed) or turn that into more viewing for parents / coaches. We are pinching the pool area too small with all the other things in there.
Thanks Dana for laying the foundations of our swim team and encouraging a swim culture for our community.
I am very excited to see these drawings for our new pool and community centre. I do strongly suggest that the saunas are not really necessary and can pose a health risk let alone the extra maintenance and costs to facility. Not having saunas will open up space for storage of pool toys and pool accessories for classes. Viewing spaces are important to parents and grandparents. I can’t wait for a shovel in the ground!
Thank you for your support and suggestions. We are very much looking forward to the new centre and hope that the builders will listen to our communities wishes.
Really interesting to see all the thoughtful comments. I see a tremendous need for better viewing in the gym and pool deck- a wall of sliding movable bleachers should defiantly be considered. The storage areas are not large enough. The sauna for all the reasons mentioned is not necessary, that will provide more space for storage and staff. There is a lot to work with. This is a great start.
Thanks for your support and comments. Your hard work on the funding committee to make our centre a reality is very much appreciated.
In no particular order:
1. As one of the members of the fundraising committee who is equally interested in land-based fitness as aquatics, I would say please don’t decrease the size of the fitness area. We likely don’t need that many treadmills but we can use that space for other fitness equipment. Yes, there are private gyms in our town, but the hope is that this facility will be more inclusive and more affordable than the private gyms. Also, as a physiotherapist who has worked for the public system in our area for almost 15 years, I would love to see our health promotion programs – e.g. Cardiac Rehab, Pulmonary Rehab, Healthy Aging – that our currently based in the outpatient rehab department of the hospital, move to this facility, in which case, we will need the space.
2. I agree with many of the other people who provided comments that a sauna is a bad idea. Increasing the guard office and/or pool storage space would be a much more effective and economical use of that space.
3. I am not very knowledgeable regarding gymnasiums, but, is a “double gymnasium” the same as a full-sized gym (e.g. for a regulation basketball court)? If so, we should not decrease the size of the gym. However, we should make sure the gym is able to accommodate many activities (e.g. volleyball, pickleball, tennis, a gymnastics competition, indoor soccer, a community dance) – this likely requires a bunch of different attachment sites in the gym floor.
4. The rock climbing wall at the Bracebridge Sportsplex is a big draw. Is there any way we can include one in this facility?
5. I agree with other comments regarding viewing areas. We definitely need more viewing for the gym and for the pool.
6. Ideally, the therapy portion of the warm pool should be at least half of the space.
7. I would rather have a concession stand than vending machines. I think there is more potential for healthy snacks at a concession stand (and it provides employment or volunteer opportunities for local residents).
8. Meghan’s suggestion about the mechanical room and filtration system being in the basement makes a lot of sense to me – easier for repairs, more space for amenities.
9. We need to make sure that people with disabilities can easily get from the parking lot to wherever they want/need to go in the facility (i.e. consider the path from the parking lot to the front entrance to the changeroom to the pool or gym or fitness centre). Consider large accessible changerooms with ceiling lifts and modified showers, and wide hallways to get from the changerooms to the pool.
10. Don’t forget to support this project through fundraising!!!! All of these requests are expensive to get and sustain so we need to raise as much money as we can!!!!
Thanks for your many hours of work to date on the fundraising committee and your facility suggestions. The needs of seniors and the disabled must be paramount in our planning for an accessible building as you have identified. Your comments reinforce the observations of Robin White who attends the Summit Centre pool in Huntsville.
We are so excited to see this project being realized. After looking at the facility plans, we have a few questions/ comments.
We are likely missing something, but we don’t see a door from the male or female change areas to the pool area. There is one from the family area.
Is there a door from the Admin area to the hallway?
There is a need for more storage space, and no need for a sauna. Communal saunas can become a health and safety nightmare.
The viewing area is a major issue. If we expect to have parents watch swimming lessons, or contestants’ families watching swim meets, there has to be a much better viewing area. Please consider building a viewing area right beside/above the 6 lap pool.
Is there a pool for kids to use, or is the therapy pool ok for this?
Basketball, fitness and swimming seem to be the building’s focus. Hopefully there will be floor markings and nets available for tennis, badminton and pickle ball. Other activities, I.e. music, art, seem to be left out.
Is it possible to add a partial second floor for a larger room with a kitchen for small receptions, larger meetings, lectures, movies etc.
There is often a long waiting list in Parry Sound for day care. Would it be useful to investigate a day care in this facility?
Thank you Bob and Karen. Your comments will be summarized for the building team and I will include your suggestions for a kitchen and day care centre. I have also noted that there seems to be a problem with the door access on the draft plan. Appreciate your support.
I fully support the comments of the many individuals who organize and operate the aquatic (and other fitness) programs, they are the backbone of our community needs. A sauna is not a necessary requirement for the community and an unnecessary expense overall , the space would be far better utilized as storage for equipment. I further support that this facility should not be in competition with the current fitness businesses in the community. Having adequate seating for viewing the multiple competitive events (pool & gym) should be a priority and the suggestion of bleachers that are retractable is an excellent option, I attend many events at the Stockey Centre and this type of seating allows for the space to be utilized in multiple configurations all year round.
As a senior and former athlete who can only participate in aquatic forms of exercise a separate therapy pool should also be mandatory to meet the community healing and wellness needs, water temperature is crucial to healing whether it be an aging issue or injury issue young and old. The large lap pool can be temperature regulated and scheduled to be utilized as the recreational and competitive pools to meet the community needs effective and efficiently.
Last but not least , board rooms are great but should not be the priority of this facility, surely with 43,000 sq. ft. the pool and gym designs are the priority, as stated the communities have waited 50 years to have the best that money can buy.
Thanks for your comments and support Mary. We hope to minimize the meeting and board rooms to accomodate the critical areas that have been identified by the community. We agree with your comments about the importance of a well designed therapy pool.
Didn’t see any mention of indoor and outdoor Pickleball courts – fastest growing sport amongst seniors? How about outdoor gathering/eating/ fire pit spots?
Also outdoor area for Farmers market?
I think an indoor turf for soccer to have individual practices or even games would be a great idea! Especially for young kids to practice during the spring/winter months. And I would like to have tennis courts, as the ones at the high school have now been taken down due to the construction.
When I read about undertakings like the WPS Pool and Recreation Centre, I get excited. It re-affirms my thoughts on the economic growth of Parry Sound and surrounding townships.
Of concern is the business model being offered up here. Swimming pools are not used that much after the initial buzz. The cost of operating a pool is known to be very expensive to operate. A true cash “drain” for most community centres. Sure you can have swim meets, family swims, etc but it is not enough.
Serious consideration should be given to include an indoor water park. It is offered in other towns and has been very successful . Enjoyed by kids of all ages including the grand parents. Companies host staff parties, birthday parties and community social gatherings. A money maker One can combine swim meets with a water park. It all depends how it is designed.
Provision should be made to include an ice surface to attract house league hockey for both boys and girls. Further to attract hockey tournaments. And who knows, Parry Sound may get its own hockey team and compete with the likes of the Barrie Colts, Owen Sound, etc. Why not, it could be a money maker.
With a price tag of $32M, I would hold the shovels and re-visit the model which is being offered here. The investors do not want to put in monies to keep the operation a float forever. This is an opportunity were monies can be made to offset the costs or at least most of them. Take advantage now and re-visit your model being put forward. This will attract families to Parry Sound and become residents. Also, it will keep families in the Town for years to come.
I draw your attention to a community centre in Red Deer, Alberta. It is very successful. For example. Community charitable organizations rent the water park for fund raising. Invite the entire family for fun and frolic, serve lunch, play water games and so on. A money maker.
Here is the link: https://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/recreation/recreation-facilities/gh-dawe-community-centre/gh-dawe-amenities/
Thanks for your comments and support Douglas. We agree that the the programming for the pool and recreation centre will need to be dynamic and flexible to meet the needs of the community. Sustainability is only possible if the facility can respond and grow with those. needs. We hope to fundraise for the pool kids park. (Wibit) as it is very popular in our neighbourhood pools and profitable as well. It looks like Red Deer has done a good job serving their community.
The cost of the Community Centre in Red Deer was approx. $50M. The town that it was a worth while investment…..So far things have worked out…And it has drawn families from neighbouring cities (Calgary, Edmonton) to re-locate there….A win, win.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Facpool.ca%2Fpublic-pool-project-victoria-rd%2F&psig=AOvVaw3UkWmVVhgBUb0z_INtPSgz&ust=1698621956236000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCPCBoYXymYIDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAn
Fantastic that the design supports a 6 lane pool – allowing for competitive swim meets – and drawing in competitors / families from across the region. Re: ability to allow spectator viewing for such swim meets – would a design approach (as per Victor Davis Pool in Guelph) where spectators are ‘elevated’ and along the length of the pool be feasible? See link for photo examples.
Thanks for your support and comments Ryan. The health issues related to a sauna and hot tub and their inclusion in the centre will be decided by the project manager. As this is the first mention of a hot tub for the pool area we will pass the suggestion on.
I have attended seniors swim programs at the Summit Centre in Huntsville and there are a couple things that I’d recommend….
1. Make sure the women’s change room is big enough with lockers and benches and more than 3 toilets.
The chamfe room can get verycrowded as one class is getting dressed and the previous one is returning. Not enough benches to sit and dress, and very public.
Also there are usually handicapped women with MS or arthritic issues which impede rapid dressing in clothing after their swim. They take longer and often have walkers with them to get to and from change rooms and toilets.
2. The change room doors and the doors to the pool should have a button to push as the people with walkers (or painful joints) have great difficulty opening these doors while maneuvering a walker. They often stand and wait till someone comes to help open the door.
3.They have a ramp down into the pool for handicapped people.
4.The hot tub beside the pool is very soothing and warming after a seniors workout in a cooler pool.
5.A coffeeshop in the building is also very social and can provide hot and cold drinks and simple fare like prewrapped sandwiches.
These are my observations from using the pool there.
Thank you Robin for these suggestions and your support. Senior and disabled access is a top priority and your observations from the Summit Centre will be very helpful.
One more suggestion…at the Summit Centre in Huntsville, the ladies change room needs a much bigger space or more shelves upon which to place winter boots as it jams us the entry door in winter.
Also needs adequate hooks to hang up winter coats as the lockers are only large enough for indoor clothing/person effects.
The winter coats end up being stacked up 3 or 4 winter coats on one hook .
First of all, thanks to the many, many people, over the years who have fought for the realization of this much needed facility. I had hoped for it when my children were small and now have new hopes for my grandchildren, and citizens of all ages. Most comments I make have already been made, so I will keep my points brief.
1. Yes to expanded viewing areas for both the lane pool and gymnasium. If we hope to establish a vibrant swim club, basketball club and others, viewing is essential.
2. Although we do have gyms in the area, there still are not enough-adult volleyball teams are a no go this winter for lack of gym space. A regulation size gym is essential.
3. No to saunas.
4.There is a shortage of tennis courts in town-it makes sense to attach some to such a recreation centre. Inside courts would be nice, but at the very least, outside courts on the grounds would be well used.
Thanks so much for all of your hard work and for a chance for us to have some input. Politicians who are supportive of this facility have the vision to see how important this is to this whole community. Families will definitely find this a good reason to raise their families here, supporting us all.
Same comments as most others on here.
1. Viewing areas seem inadequate for gym and pool areas. A good crowd of onlookers would probably block access to the whole building if entering from the East Vestibule.
2. Therapy pool would to me be more private use than to be right in front of viewing area.
3. In the images, the gym suggests a 2 story height but the pool does not. Two storeys of viewing area (and future office/meeting/storage rooms ) at the one end of the building might make sense.
4. The sauna sounds like expense without much use. As it sits currently, it appears to open to the pool area. So for instance, during a swim meet, would the sauna become inaccessible?
5. Food concession vs vending machine can go either way. But it has to be staffed. That we now can be an issue around here.
6. Fitness area and studio does seem large , given there are existing places around town already, but maybe it can serve more than one purpose throughout the day. as mentioned for kids, dance, etc
But overall, this is looking wonderful.
Thanks for your comments and support Paul. In response to your thoughtful comments, we strongly agree that the fitness area needs a better layout to accommodate greater program flexibility. Please check out the following comments from Brenda Ryan, who has suggested some modifications to maximize this area. In addition, she will give us a floor plan to illustrate these suggestions. We now have over a hundred facility suggestions from our community, all of which will make the facility a better place for us to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
I think the committee has done an excellent job so far, and i am grateful for their work. I do think that when it comes to inclusiveness, there is one possible blindspot that I would encourage the committee – and some commenters here – to take another look at.
It may be cliche, but it really is true that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. All these different types of people will naturally have different values, and what’s important to one will not be important to another.
One thing that’s important – indeed, essential – to one type of person is an actual hot tub. Not a warm therapy pool, but a true hot tub. The hot tub industry is reported to be worth over $1.1 billion per year. That’s an awful lot of people who value the benefits of a hot tub. Are those types of people being included in the current plans? With just a warm therapy pool on deck, it looks to me like they are being left out.
That exclusion could, frankly, not be coming at a worse time. As a society we count on public ventures to fill needs that individuals cannot meet on their own. For example, not everyone can afford their own back yard, so we build public parks. That public sharing of individual need is one of the great things about society. Some people can afford their own pool. We’re not primarily building this public pool for them – we’re building it, in part, so that all the others who cannot afford their own pool can finally have access to one. In the same way, some people are fortunate enough to afford their own hot tub, but many more – especially in these times of inflation – cannot.
In years past, there were other public options, such as local hotels or resorts that sold day-use passes to their hot tub facilities. Many might not be aware that recently the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit started enforcing a previously obscure and still controversial regulation that began mandating such extreme safety requirements – such as on duty life guards – that small hotels and resorts can no longer afford to offer public access. As a result, those who cannot afford their own hot tub can no longer access those options. What is left for them? Only the hope of being included in these plans for a public recreational facility.
As a person holding onto that hope, it has been disheartening to me to read other commenters disparaging the idea of either a hot tub or its close cousin, the sauna. They suggest that it could be replaced by storage closets. They even suggest that such exclusion would be supported by sanitary standards. I am no health expert, but i do know that the traditional use of hot tubs, saunas, and smoke houses goes back hundreds of years and many generations, and has long been an integral part of scandinavian and some native american cultures. With such a time tested pedigree of attested benefits, I personally am willing to risk it. Not everyone would make that same assessment, of course, but that is because, as I said, not everyone values the same things. As I said though, we need to value and include all types of people.
There are people like me who value both the planned sauna and the currently excluded hot tub. I hope the committee can include us.
Thank you.
Thanks for your support and comments Ryan. The health issues related to a sauna and hot tub and their inclusion in the centre will be decided by the project manager. As this is the first mention of a hot tub for the pool area we will pass the suggestion on.
It’s great to see so many thoughtful comments. There are many I agree with but I’d like to add another couple which do not directly relate to the building, but the outside access.
1. Agree – drop the sauna;
2. Agree – expand viewing area;
3. Investigate Mike’s suggestion of a games room incl billiards, foosball ( table soccer etc.) : could be very popular with young people;
4. Smaller fitness area, rubberized walking/ running track. Maybe look at renting space to one of the existing fitness centre owners;
5. Ensure enough space in gym for multiple sports incl pickle ball, indoor soccer etc.;
6. Safe and easy access from road into building for pedestrians, cyclists and have secure bike storage.
7. Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts.
Let’s hope that we are FINALLY going to get our pool!
Thank you Sue for these comments and your continued support. As one of the original member of the pool committee your efforts have laid the foundation for our work today. Your comments have captured the core of suggestions that our community has identified for their new pool and fitness centre. Please note Brenda Ryan’s comments regarding maximizing the floor space in the fitness area.
Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to see this facility come to life. The building design is beautiful.
These comments are based on my experiences as a Parry Sound Stingers Basketball Club Coach, as a parent of 2 teenage boys, as a former member of the “Pool Committee” back in 2007, a competitive synchronized swimmer (in my youth), as a McDougall resident for 20 years and as an Architect.
1. Absolutely and strongly agree that public viewing space for both the pool and gym need to be provided and made larger.
2. Therapeutic pool seems to be a more “private” use for young children and older adults so, there may not be a desire to be “watched”. It seems that if there are young children in the therapeutic pool their parents might want to watch from the pool deck itself. Switching the locations of the two pools seems to make sense. A gallery could be achieved for viewing the competitive pool above the Change Rooms areas if budget permits.
3. The Stingers Basketball club desperately needs a regulation size gym (if not 2), so thank you for accommodating one. Spectator space is essential. I am sure the Architect is aware of the court size but this is what is required:
FIBA Court Size 28m x 15m with all basketball lines for all age groups
100” of sideline space (min.) on one side for team benches and score keepers
Telescopic seating (or fixed) – 2 sets of 10 rows high, 22” spacing, approx. 17’-11” open dimensions, 3-7” closed dimensions (based on https://www.husseyseating.com/content/MAXAM/MAXAM-Dim-Data.pdf)
4. Fitness area seem un-proportionally large. The inclusion of the “walled” Fitness area makes this space highly inflexible. Could the Meeting Rooms double as a “walled” fitness studio? We have many existing, under-utilized meeting spaces in Parry Sound already.
5. There also seems to be a lot of fitness equipment. Could this equipment be placed in the outer spaces of the track, near the windows and in the bump out at the corridor, to keep the center open and more flexible?
6. If the walled area of the Fitness Studio was removed, this large area inside the track could be used for MANY clubs such as: Adult Basketball League (drop down nets), Badminton, Volleyball, Karate, Pickle Ball, Skipping, Jiu Jitsu, Hockey Dry Land Training, In-door Soccer (all clubs competing for gym space) (sorry if I missed any others).
7. I would love to see 2 regulation size gyms (required for Parry Sound Stingers to host tournaments). The high school gym is the only regulation size gym in the area and hence, this gym is in high demand. This gym frequently gets closed on the MANY snow days we have and puts our completive teams at a serious disadvantage with lost practice time.
8. Given the demand for gym space, I would anticipate that the Fitness area could be converted to another regulation gym in the future. The main point – please leave this area as flexible as possible to address the growing/future needs of the community. It is a very large amount of floor area and I believe it could accommodate the track, fitness equipment AND other various uses if it were left more open and the space re-arranged slightly.
9. Could the gym storage area be moved to the exterior wall (solid section of that wall) so the Controlled Corridor could be opened up for more viewing?
Thank you again to the many dedicated people involved in making this a reality for our community and I’d encourage everyone to get involved with the fundraising so we can see our comments realized!
Thank you for your comments and continued support Brenda. As one of the 2007 Pool Committee members you have prepared the foundation for our planned WPS Pool and Recreation Centre. Your suggestions for the Gymnasium and the Fitness area will help us to maximize the efficiency of those areas to meet the needs of our diverse community. In addition, we need to ensure that the benefits for our youth through the Stingers Basketball program has a home to grow and prosper.
Thoughts on our new recreation centre
It is exciting to see the design of West Parry Sound’s new recreation centre. The architects have included those things that our community has requested.
I feel confident that we will build our centre to offer activities to the greatest number of people and their diverse interests. I offer a few suggestions that might be feasible without putting hardship on our centre’s budget. Some add-ons we can buy later but some things have to go into the initial structure.
Everyone who has offered an opinion agrees that a 6 lane pool is a must. It will provide the space for so many popular activities:
– aquafit exercise classes
– swim lessons for all ages
– lap swims for exercise
– lifesaving and lifeguarding courses
– family leisure swim times
– a competitive swim club for our youth
– private rentals for family or corporate parties
– water safety lessons for canoeists and kayakers
SCUBA lessons
Bleachers are essential for swim team competitions and parents watching swim lessons. The best solution is a mezzanine above the change rooms and mechanical room, as suggested by other responders.
The therapy pool will provide opportunities for senior and recovery programs, aquafit classes, parents and tots, swim lessons for the youngest. Only very young children will have swim lessons in the therapy pool. They will soon migrate to the shallow end of the large pool for lessons.
Regulation Size Gymnasium. The Parry Sound Stingers basketball club has people of all ages participating. They need a “home base”, a place where they can invite other clubs to participate in games and tournaments, therefore a court that meets FIBA standards. (28m x 15m). According to the architect’s drawings, the new gym will provide a FIBA regulation-size basketball court.
The gym will also provide space for pickleball, exercise and dance classes, volleyball, badminton, karate and a youth drop-in program after school and on weekends
As well as the fitness machines, the very large fitness area could be used for other purposes. We could put gym lines on the floor to increase it’s functionality. There is actually space for another basketball court, and therefore, volleyball, pickleball and badminton courts. Remove the walled exercise area and use a multipurpose room as a dance, exercise studio.
We do not really need two large multipurpose rooms when there are several already available in Parry Sound and there is need in our new building for more office and storage space.
It is exciting to see the design of West Parry Sound’s new Pool and Recreation Centre being actively discussed by our WPS community.
With the thoughtful comments and support submitted here, I feel confident that we will build our centre to offer activities to the greatest number of people and their diverse interests and needs.
Everyone who has offered an opinion agrees that a 6 lane pool is a must. It will provide the space for so many popular activities including:
– aquafit exercise classes
– swim lessons for all ages
– lap swims for exercise
– lifesaving and lifeguarding courses
– family leisure swim times
– a competitive swim club for our youth
– private rentals for family or corporate parties
– water safety lessons for canoeists and kayakers
– SCUBA lessons
Bleachers are essential for swim team competitions and parents watching swim lessons. The best solution is a mezzanine above the change rooms and mechanical room, as suggested by other responders.
The therapy pool will provide opportunities for seniors and recovery programs, aquafit classes, parents and tots.
Regulation Size Gymnasium. The Parry Sound Stingers basketball club has people of all ages participating. They need a “home base”, a place where they can invite other clubs to participate in games and tournaments and a court that meets FIBA standards. (28m x 15m). According to the architect’s drawings, the new gym will provide a FIBA regulation-size basketball court.
The gym will also provide space for pickleball, exercise and dance classes, volleyball, badminton, karate and a youth drop-in program after school and on weekends.
As well as the fitness machines, the very large fitness area could be used for other purposes. The addition of court lines on the floor and net pole anchors will increase its functionality. There is space for another basketball court, and therefore, volleyball, pickleball and badminton courts. Remove the walled exercise area and use a multipurpose room as a dance, exercise studio.
We do not really need two large multipurpose rooms when there are several already available in Parry Sound and there is need in our new building for more office and storage space.
Since viewing areas for the pool and gym are important/imperative to the community, mezzanines could be built in now, or the structure and ceiling heights considered so the mezzanines could be easily added later if fundraising permits. The gym mezzanine could run above the track and openings made in the gym wall to accommodate viewing area.
Alternatively, the wall between the Gym and Fitness area could be pushed up to make the gym a bit larger to accommodate telescopic seating at floor level (a less expensive proposition).
It would be ideal to have the pool mezzanine over the Mech. room and change rooms (full length of the pool if possible). If the Mech. room could be lowered (site permitting) this might help with headroom.
If the sauna was removed the Guard office could be made larger.
Removing the walls around the Fitness studio would significantly increase the potential uses of this large floor area.
I appreciate, very well, the tough job the Board, Committee members and the Architect have in balancing the wants and needs of the community with the budget, funding requirements and site constraints. I congratulate and THANK all involved in getting us to this point. Hopefully these small “wish” list items can be accommodated and we can all be proud of the beautiful new facility. THANK YOU!!
A SAUNA is an IMPORTANT BENEFIT. I have been swimming and scuba diving training regularly in pools since I was a young teenager. A Sauna experience is a wonderful warm-up session just before jumping into the shower to start your pool training, especially coming in from the cold (many cold) winter months. A Sauna experience is also a wonderful addition to support the health wellness of our body, inclusive those of us who have heart conditions – as long as it is used properly. As a hobby Scuba Diving Instructor, and having lived in Germany for 14 years before moving to Carling Township, I have come to appreciate the benefit of a sauna which is a very basic part of everyday life in northern Europe. Unfortunately the benefit of a sauna to our wellness is still not quite clearly understood or appreciated here in Canada. It would be very sad, and a missed opportunity, if we chose not to have the sauna experience integrated into the design of our new facility. For the girls it would be like taking away those heated car seats in the winter, or even worse no more heated hand grips for our snow machines, Once experienced, it is a no turning back wonderful benefit to our well being.
What a giant and irresponsible waste of money … GO SWIM IN THE BAY. OR 1 OF THE MANY LAKES.
Most towns dont have indoor public pools …. Parry Sound is the last place in Canada that needs one.
PARRY SOUND is a mess …… Streets littered with potholes. Drug addicts and crime in this town … There was a hooker working downtown this year , Abandoned schools and homes everywhere , 10 dollar skateboard park , Zero things for young people to do except hockey. Our hospital lacks an MRI machine and many other things.
36 Million for a pool and 50 million for school ….. GREAT JOB WASTING GOVERNMENT MONEY !
You people aint going to this place during the winter and you know it. -25 – -50 outside lets clean the driveway and car and drive to the pool and swim on a freezing cold day. GIMME A BREAK. Find a hobby instead of wasting money on luxuries that you don’t need or deserve.
WHO IS PAYING THIS PLACES BILLS … LOL.
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WILL NEVER EVER GIVE PARRY SOUND MONEY EVER AGAIN.
WAHT A COLOSSAL WASTE OF MONEY.
This should be investigated.
Judging by the comments on here ………. You people are totally out of touch with reality. You all sound very greedy and privileged. You sound like children whos parents just won the lottery.
In addition, after I found the floor plans. It seems there are no showers in the family changerooms and what is the room in the northeast corner of the family changerooms? Hopefully the family change room can be flexible use and be used by swim teams. Not enough space for spectators for the lap pool, especially at the starting end. Is there enough deck space to run meets (scorekeeepers, starters)?
And, what about some privacy for the therapy pool (screen, blinds, one way glass)?
Please include a sauna, steam or hot tub. These are very therapeutic and help I dove relaxation and health. Parry Sound already has many gyms and I do not view a gym as a priority filling a gap not already serviced. The YMCA is a good example. Parry sound does not have accessible therapeutic waters. Please make the facilities as child and family friendly as possible. Children should have a safe and fun pool to build their swimming skills and have fun healthy activities in winter. There should a children’s swimming area. Thank you.