Taking a deep dive into Acadia University’s decision to close its pool

Shirley Marston, a sprightly 91-year-old, has been faithfully making her way to the Acadia Athletics Complex in Wolfville, N.S. three times a week for the past 40 years. Her morning routine consists of a seven-minute drive to the pool, where she swims about 24 lengths before heading to a local coffee shop with friends who also frequent the facility. According to Marston, swimming is not only good for her body but also for her mind.

However, Marston’s routine is about to be disrupted as Acadia University has announced the closure of its 58-year-old pool. The decision, which came as a shock to many, was made due to persistent annual deficits and the need for extensive repairs that would require a two-year shutdown. The closure has left Marston and other regular swimmers scrambling to find alternative options.

The nearest indoor pools to Wolfville are located in Windsor, Waterville, and Greenwood, posing a challenge for residents who rely on the Acadia pool for their aquatic fitness needs. The closure of the pool has sparked discussions about the need for a new facility in the community, with both the Town of Wolfville and the Municipality of the County of Kings considering options for a regional recreational complex.

Wolfville Mayor Jodi MacKay acknowledges that the closure of the pool has lit a fire under the town to expedite plans for a new facility. Discussions about the need for a new pool have been ongoing for several years, but recent events have brought the issue to the forefront. Kings County Mayor Dave Corkum also expressed regret that plans for a new facility were not fast-tracked sooner, given the impending closure of the Acadia pool.

The escalating repair costs for the pool, estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million, have added complexity to the situation. The Save Acadia Pool group, led by member Meg Shephard, has criticized the university’s decision to close the pool, citing misleading information about the operating deficit. Shephard believes that the pool should remain open until a new facility can be constructed.

Documents obtained shed light on the university’s decision-making process leading up to the closure announcement. The discussions among university officials revealed differing opinions on the best course of action, with concerns about the pool’s structural integrity and financial sustainability. The final decision to close the pool was met with disappointment and frustration from the community.

As the community grapples with the impending closure of the Acadia pool, plans for a new regional recreational complex are underway. The hope is that a new facility will serve the needs of residents and provide a space for aquatic activities for years to come. Despite the challenges posed by the pool closure, the community remains optimistic about the future of recreational opportunities in Wolfville and the surrounding area.