Gold River Aquatic & Sports Centre
Gold River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

The traditional clinical and institutional approach to the design of community aquatic facilities is, in these days of increased leisure time, totally inadequate. Gone are the days when facilities catered only to the serious swimmer or specific user.

Too many aquatic facilities have become a major burden on the taxpayer as a result of this approach. The Gold River Aquatic and Sports Centre is geared toward the complete family unit; all the elements were carefully selected to maximize and encourage use by every member of the family. Multiple purpose spaces, capable of being used for an endless variety of functions, were included at the Gold River Aquatic and Sports Centre.

The Gold River Aquatic and Sports Centre is an excellent example of a facility designed around a “social heart.” Numerous features combine to make this a facility which caters to all and meets the needs of an ever-changing community. Better use of space, greater awareness of user requirements and expectations, environmental sensitivity, access to all, and fiscal responsibility were all considerations during the design process.

Family change rooms permit parents and/or grandparents to have constant supervision of young ones while changing. A teen centre and baby-sitting/childminding area allow parents easier and more ready access to the services available and offer teens a safe gathering place.

The many ways of moving water, initially introduced to provide entertainment and enjoyment, have proved to offer therapeutic benefits. Patrons are actively taking advantage of a massage under the raindrop unit or in the bubble pit, and walking against lazy river jets. Squash and racquet ball courts and the fitness centre expand the usage beyond just swimming.

The design of this centre affords participants and spectators alike the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of one another, while being at the centre of activity.