A city southeast of Calgary could be getting a new outdoor pool | Daily Hive

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Plans for a new outdoor aquatic facility in Medicine Hat are moving forward, with city council giving the go-ahead to restart design work on the project.

The proposed aquatics facility has been in the works for a few years, with the city now moving into the next stage of planning after council paused the project and cancelled a design request for proposal earlier this year.

In a council meeting on Sept. 8, Council voted to have administration restart preliminary design work, continue exploring funding opportunities, and enter negotiations for land for recreation amenities in the city’s south end.

The outdoor pool is being envisioned as both a community recreation facility and a regional destination, with a focus on accessibility, universal design, and amenities that could encourage people to spend more time at the facility.

City of Medicine Hat/YouTube

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The proposed location for the outdoor pool is on 13th Avenue behind Hillcrest Church, a site that received support from more than 80 per cent of respondents during previous public engagement.

The next step will be completing a 30 per cent design for the facility. Administration said the design would provide more detail on the pool’s layout, major components, site requirements and preliminary costs, giving council a better idea of what the project could look like and how much it could cost.

About $1.5 million is being recommended for the 30 per cent design for the aquatic facility in Medicine Hat. The city is also looking into provincial and federal funding opportunities, with administration noting the 30 per cent design would help when approaching other levels of government for funding.

The project is still in the planning stages, and the 30 per cent design does not commit the city to construction. Council will have to make further decisions on the final design and construction budget before the project can move ahead.

This isn’t the only recreation project in the works near Medicine Hat. Back in September, a huge $65-million recreation centre was proposed for Dunmore, a small hamlet located just outside the city.