The wait is finally over! After a significant hiatus, swimmers are once again making a splash at the Aquarena, just in time for its grand public reopening next week!
For what felt like an eternity, St. John's residents have been navigating alternative swimming spots to compensate for the Aquarena's closure back in 2023. But on a recent Wednesday, a wave of excitement washed over the community as swim clubs were granted the exclusive first dive into the fully renovated facility.
"It's absolutely awesome to be back in this grand space. We've been anticipating this for so long, and it truly is a monumental moment for everyone involved," shared Nathan Wilson, a proud member of the St. John's Legends club. The Aquarena, originally constructed for the 1977 Canada Games, had closed its doors for extensive renovations in preparation for the 2025 Canada Games, which were also hosted in St. John's. After a brief reopening for the Games, it closed once more to finalize the much-needed upgrades.
And this is the part most people miss... The journey to this reopening has been a substantial one, spanning over two years and involving an investment of $25 million. Now, the facility stands ready to welcome everyone back.
Craig Neil, the General Manager of The Works, expressed his delight to CBC News, stating, "It's fantastic, it's exhilarating, and precisely what we envisioned. Seeing all the athletes in the pool this morning was incredibly rewarding." While swim clubs have already resumed their training, the broader public can look forward to lane swims, lessons, and more starting next week.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the Aquarena boasts impressive new features like a one-meter diving tower, a state-of-the-art timing system, and fully accessible family change rooms, some amenities are still a little way off. Saunas and hot tubs are expected to be available in a couple of months, and the on-site Tim Hortons will also reopen at a later date. Is this phased reopening a strategic move to manage demand, or a sign of lingering construction challenges? What do you think?
Among the exciting additions is a brand-new waterslide, though Neil noted it's a bit more compact than its predecessor. The Aquarena, a beloved fixture in the community for a long time, is anticipated to draw back its devoted patrons. "The Aquarena and fitness centre has been a cornerstone for a long time, and I believe people are deeply connected to it," Neil remarked. "I'm confident we'll see a strong return of visitors."
What are your thoughts on the extensive renovations and the phased reopening? Are you excited to get back into the Aquarena, or do you have concerns about the delayed opening of certain facilities? Let us know in the comments below!
