Community Pool Promotes Accessibility and Sustainability

The Prince George downtown pool replacement project transforms the existing Four Seasons Leisure Pool, which has reached the end of its service life, into a new, sustainable modern facility.

Features of the new complex include:

• A six-lane, 25-metre lap pool
• A four-lane, 25-metre teaching pool with warm water and shallower depth
• A leisure pool with a lazy river, beach entry, and play features
• A large waterslide with a run-off lane
• Dedicated male and female change rooms, as well as a sizeable universal change room
• Three barrier-free shower rooms with ceiling lifts
• A sauna and steam room
• Two classrooms
• A comfortable viewing area

Accessibility played a key role in the new design. Each pool has a shallow entry and “pool pods” that allow people with mobility devices to enter the pools easily. The main leisure pool has a gradual entry from zero depth. The facility also features enhanced sightlines for lifeguards to ensure optimal safety for patrons. The change rooms are designed to open at the shallowest ends of the pools to decrease the likelihood of falls into deep water.

A distinctive visual aspect of the new building is the “tilted box” design that permits the height needed to house the waterslide at the southeast end. The building slopes towards the main entrance at 7th Avenue and Quebec Street; the entry plaza collects water run-off into a rain garden.

HDR and Chandos Construction worked together throughout the design and construction process.