UPDATED: Paul Reynolds Centre pool closed until December

Closure a result of loose sound panel, all 50 panels must be removed

The pool at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre in Wedgewood Park is closed while repairs are completed. - Contributed

The pool at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre will remain closed until Sunday, Dec. 9.

On Saturday, one of the sound panels above the pool came loose. After an inspection on Wednesday, it was determined that all 50 panels must be removed.

“We apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused residents,” Councillor Jamie Korab, lead for Community Services was quoted saying in a press release issued on Wednesday.

“As a parent with a family I understand how disappointing the situation is for young kids, especially those with birthday parties and lessons booked at the pool. Our staff will do their best to work though the temporary pool closure with those affected.”

The news release stated residents who have lessons or pool bookings will be provided with a refund and/or credit. Recreation staff will be reaching out to those affected individually.

“Safety is the top priority at all of our city facilities,” Mayor Danny Breen was quoted in the news release. “Staff are working diligently through the details as to how we can remove the panels, as efficiently and safely as possible, so we can re-open the pool in early December.”

Swimming lessons will be cancelled for the remainder of the fall session and people will be credited for the missed classes. This credit can be used towards the next session of lessons or any other Department of Community Services – Recreation Division program.

The rest of the community centre will remain open.

Earlier story:

The Paul Reynolds Centre pool closed unexpectedly Tuesday when one of the sound panels above the pool became suspended from the ceiling.

“It never fell down, but it came loose a little,” said Coun. Jamie Korab.

Sound panels are used at indoor swimming pools to lessen noise and echoing.

Korab said it’s unclear exactly how the panel came loose, but a structural engineer is looking at it – and all other panels in the ceiling – and work is underway to fix the loose panel.

Korab said the pool will reopen as soon as it’s deemed safe and the work is completed.

No approximate timeline could be provided.

The public will be notified when the pool reopens with an update on the city website and social media channels.