While I appreciate that the Regional District of Nanaimo is considering an expansion of Ravensong pool (The NEWS, June 21), the 2009 plans are well out of date and some of the recommendations in the old report are just not relevant in 2016.
The pool as it is today is just not adequate and no amount of “fixing” will fix the problems. Every area of the pool is either outdated or inadequate. Not enough space in the pool itself leading to out-and-out tension between the swimmers; changerooms are crowded and hard to keep clean because of it; family changerooms are ridiculously small; staff area is not what they require (they need proper exclusive shower and washrooms areas); deck space is crowded; and finally, a proper exercise room would be wonderful.
Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek talks about a private facility across the street. Is he talking about the gym on Second Avenue?
What I have outlined really means that we need another facility altogether. The existing facility would then be adequate for a long time in tandem with a new one.
I live in Qualicum Beach, but a lot of pool users come from elsewhere. I suggest that the staff that is looking to bring back a report to the RDN board do a survey of where the pool users are coming from. I realize that the building of another facility would be expensive, but if we are looking to project 10 years it is the only way to go. Other areas have moved forward with a private-public partnership and it works. We will always have to subsidize our recreational facilities, that’s just a fact.
Another way to go would be to combine a new pool with a sports complex — the younger generation badly need a new track, etc. It is important that we (all generations) provide, going forward, for the opportunity to be a healthy society. At present these opportunities are so limited.
I seriously hope that the RDN considers the above facts in their plan for the next 10 years. New recreational facilities are badly needed as soon as possible.
Margaret AlbertQualicum Beach