Park Board announces change to Kits Pool summer operations
Kits Pool has been the centre of quite a bit of drama this summer, and now the Vancouver Park Board has announced yet another change to its operations — but this time, it’s some good news.
On Wednesday, the Park Board said that it would be keeping Kits Pool open for a bit longer this season, giving locals the chance to enjoy the iconic swimming spot beyond Labour Day.
Initially, the pool was scheduled to shut down on Sept. 1.
In its updated statement, the Park Board said it’s “pleased to make the necessary operational and staffing adjustments” to allow the pool to stay open until Sept. 7.
Pool hours for the additional week of Kits Pool operations (from Sept. 2 to 7) are:
- 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- 3 to 7 p.m.
“September and October is an important window of time to allow staff to carry out the necessary maintenance and decommissioning of our outdoor pools ahead of the wet, cold months of fall and winter,” noted the Park Board in a statement.
The city’s other outdoor pools (Second Beach, New Brighton, and Maple Grove) are still set to close on Sept. 2.
Kits Pool on August 27, 2019. (David Margolis/Submitted)
While some Vancouver residents have been calling for an end to the controversial Kits Pool reservations, the Park Board has not adjusted that aspect of its booking system.
However, last month, the board announced that it would be trialling other changes.
Starting Aug. 5, the Park Board said swimmers who arrive during the final 45 minutes of a time slot at Kits Pool would be able to get a 50 per cent discount on the drop-in admission rate.
It would not apply to the reservation system or swim lessons between 7 and 8:30 a.m. These changes were also applied at Second Beach Pool, New Brighton Pool, and Maple Grove Pool.
The Park Board also said it would be expanding the time for some swim sessions.
“These changes, including the drop-in discount and the extended session at Kitsilano Pool, are intended to improve the experience for drop-in users looking to enjoy our outdoor pools this summer,” the Park Board said in a previous statement.
This is likely to be one of the outdoor pool’s last remaining operating seasons, ahead of its planned permanent closure for the construction of a brand-new replacement pool, with construction beginning possibly later this decade if funding can be secured.
Are you happy the pool will be open for a bit longer this summer? Let us know in the comments.
With files from Amir Ali and Kenneth Chan
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