Splash down in Whistler’s new pool – Woodlands inspired pool design

The Whistler Question, Thursday, July 28, 1994
By Doug Alexander

Vic Davies can’t wait until the pool at the Meadow Park Sports Centre is unveiled, but he won’t be taking a plunge into the water.

For this Victoria architect, opening day is a test greater than the water samples and diagnostic reviews conducted during the past two months.

“The first day is when we learn the most from our pools because we learn what people are using in it,” he said. Davies also gets a personal satisfaction from the public’s reaction to his pool. “The biggest thrill is watching the kids,” he said. “When the doors swing open and the kids rush in, they don’t know where to turn; their eyes are wide open.”

With the design Davies has incorporated into Whistler’s pool, that reaction will likely be repeated. The young and young at heart, will be swamped by a swirl pool, spray trees, a “lazy river” current, two bears that squirt water and numerous water toys.

Davies has become known for bringing fun into pools throughout British Columbia by developing the idea of a leisure pool.

“In the past, architects would design a pool with competition in mind and you ended up with a rectangular tank. By introducing a leisure pool concept you’re appealing to all walks of life, you don’t have to swim to enjoy the pool.”

Although the Meadow Park Sports Centre is the 24th pool created by Davies, this design is different. “In the past we’ve been picking up a tropical theme, but because Whistler is a unique community we decided to do something different.”

The pool has adopted a summer woodlands theme, complete with trees, rocks, forest animals and a mountain mural. “We decided to use the columns and disguise them as big firs. Around the swirl pool we set up some kind of rock that reflects the basalt rocks around the area.”

Davies, who has been working on the plans for the pool for two years, said teamwork was key to the success of the Meadow Park Sports Centre. “I think the one big thing was the fact that there was a great team involved, from the municipality through the construction trades and professionals involved,” Davies said.

On the eve of the opening, Davies has one prediction, “I think you’re going to be overwhelmed.”