🚨 The Sundre Aquaplex is closing in September for essential maintenance! Thanks to community support, like the Great Bearberry Duck Race, we’re keeping it in top shape. 🦆💦 #Sundre #Olds #Alberta
.png)
Sundre Aquaplex to Temporarily Close for September Maintenance
The Sundre Aquaplex is set to undergo essential maintenance in September, resulting in a temporary closure of the indoor pool. Community efforts like the recent Great Bearberry Duck Race have played a vital role in ensuring that such upkeep is possible, helping to keep the facility in top shape for all who enjoy it.
A Much-Needed Maintenance Break
The indoor pool at Sundre Aquaplex will be drained and closed for about four weeks starting in early September. This closure is necessary to carry out critical maintenance work that includes installing a diverter in the main pool drain. This device is essential for regulating water pressure within the pool’s pipes and is required to meet Alberta Health regulations. Additionally, the pool’s tiles will be re-grouted, and the underwater lights will undergo repairs.
Kari McQuaid, the manager of the indoor pool and fitness centre, noted that the timing and coordination of this work are complex. "Our board is working hard to try to schedule all the contractors to make it all happen as quickly as possible," McQuaid explained.
Community Support in Action
Keeping the Sundre Aquaplex running smoothly is no small task, and it requires ongoing support from the community. Events like the Great Bearberry Duck Race are essential to funding the maintenance that keeps the facility in good condition.
This year's race, held on June 30, was a resounding success. All 500 rubber ducks—each sold for $10—were quickly snapped up, as they are every year. The event raised approximately $4,970 for the Aquaplex, a significant contribution toward the necessary upkeep.
The community also came together in other ways during the event. Local volunteers organized a bake sale, offering an array of homemade goodies that added to the festive atmosphere. Spectators who gathered to watch the ducks drift down the stream were treated to free hot dogs, chips, and soda, all generously donated by members of the community.
The Race That Keeps on Giving
The Great Bearberry Duck Race has become a beloved tradition in Sundre, not just for the fun it provides but for the vital support it generates for the Aquaplex. As the ducks floated down the stream, which feeds into the Red Deer River, volunteers, including the president of the Sundre & District Aquatic Society, Blair Rushka, worked hard to ensure every duck was retrieved for future use.
Given the popularity of the event, there is already talk of expanding it. “The board is hoping that next year, we will see if we can get the ducks in good enough shape to run two races on the same day,” McQuaid said with a smile. The idea is to have one race in the morning, followed by a break, and then a second race in the afternoon.
This year’s race was especially exciting, with winners Casey Leszynski and Dawn Rose taking home cash prizes of $500 and $300, respectively. They chose the cash over a one-year family pass and a one-year adult pass to the indoor pool and fitness centre. Darren Raymond, whose duck placed third, won a 10-punch pass to the Aquaplex.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming maintenance at the Sundre Aquaplex is a reminder of the importance of community support in maintaining local facilities. The work that will be done in September is crucial to ensuring that the pool remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
Events like the Great Bearberry Duck Race demonstrate the power of community involvement. They bring people together for a day of fun while also raising the funds needed to keep the Aquaplex running smoothly. As the community looks forward to the pool’s reopening in October, there's no doubt that the support and enthusiasm from events like the Duck Race will continue to play a crucial role in the facility’s future.
The Sundre Aquaplex is more than just a pool; it's a hub of community activity, a place where families come to swim, exercise, and enjoy time together. Thanks to the dedication of the community and the efforts of the Aquaplex’s board and staff, it will continue to serve Sundre for many years to come.