Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre
 | |
| Location | Swan River, Manitoba |
|---|---|
| Owner | Town of Swan River |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | March 26th, 2012[1] |
| Opened | October 2013 (est) |
| Construction cost | $11.8 Million[2] |
| Architect | PSA Studios |
The Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre is a multi-phase recreation complex located in the town of Swan River, Manitoba. It is still currently under construction, with the first phase expected to open to the public in October 2013.
Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatics Centre
The Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatics Centre is the first phase of the complex. It includes a four-lane 25m competitive lap pool, an attached leisure pool, lazy river, waterslide, hot tub (known as the swirl pool), and more. Originally, certain pool features were going to be progressively added in as funds became available. For example, the pool was going to be constructed without a hot tub or waterslide at first. However, there was a push among the public for these features to be added at the time of construction, and the only amenity that is left to be added to the pool in the future is a sauna. The deep-end of the pool is approximately 7 ft 8in, and it gets progressively shallower to a zero beach on the leisure side of the pool.
Future Phases
Provisions have been made for future phases to be added onto the centre. Phase two is expected to include a fieldhouse and 200m indoor walking track, as well as additional changerooms and a multipurpose room. Phase three may include community health services.
Controversy
In the early 2000s the condition of the Swan River Kinsmen Pool began to deteriorate, and the Town of Swan River was faced with the decision of either making extensive renovations to the existing facility, or else building a brand-new pool. In order to build the new facility, the town relied heavily on provincial and federal government subsidies as well as private donations. There remain some who doubt whether the town of approximately 4000 (and the surrounding municipalities) can afford to run such a facility. The strongest opposition has come from the area's rural municipalities. Further, the cost of the project has ballooned from an estimated $9 million to $11.8 million. Still, the project continues to receive donations from many individuals and businesses.[3]