Architect excited about Vernon’s pool

The Morning Star, Sunday, October 30, 1994

Designing Vernon’s expanded pool space was a challenge for architect Victor Davies, but he is excited about the final product.

Davies, who has Vic Davies Architect Ltd. of Victoira, has drafted plans for pools in Alberta, B.C., Ontario, New Zealand, Washington State and Australia.

“What’s different with the Vernon pool is that this was a retrofit. It was not a totally new pool and the challenge was to look at the existing pool and see what is there and what could be done.”

The existing pool was turned into a recreation area featuring a giant slide, while a brand new structure sports a 25-metre pool.

His main feature in designing the expanded and renovated facility was opening up the idea of swimming and recreation.

“I was trying to open up access to everyone,” he said.

Among the main features are ramps for the disabled, a mom and tots pool and an open style that invites people to try all aspects of the $3.7 million project.

Part of the recreation pool bubbles as the water swirls in a tidal motion. Davies says this was a vital addition because the bubbles are therapeutic but also fun.

“Anything where water moves the kids love”.

“We don’t do this just for the sake of moving water, but for the therapeutic aspects.”

Davies also had the role of designing the giant water slide that is expected to be popular with young people.

“One of the big problems with slides is that when you put them in the pool they take up space and lead to accidents. This one is a lot more practical,” he said.

The slide comes to a dead-end, with the finish located next to the stairs leading back to the start of the slide.

Davies said he is excited to see his plans come to life, and says the Hawaiian theme will encourage people to use the pool.

“You get real cold winters here and instead of going to Maui for a holiday, Maui has been brought to you.”