Frank Jameson Community Centre
Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

In 1993 when the initial proposal for an addition to the Frank Jameson Community Centre was made to a group of area residents, it was realized that what the residents were shown would take “going to the swimming pool” to new heights. With this proposal the pool becomes an experience. Other communities near the size of Ladysmith are enjoying large attendance at their leisurized centres and their pools are always packed with lots of people having fun.

The expansion of the Frank Jameson Community Centre included the addition of a therapeutic leisure/ teaching pool and tots’ pool and upgrading of existing facilities. The freeform shape of the leisure pool gives the impression of greater size while providing an appealing variety of swim and play spaces.

The tots’ pool was designed as a central part of the leisure pool, allowing the little ones to be part of the action. A weir permits water to flow from the tots' pool into the leisure pool. Water moving devices in this pool include a raindrop, sprays, and river rapids. The colourful swirling banners, swooping pelicans, palm trees, rock outcrops, and the dramatic mural of a setting sun are all combined in the sensational decor package.

With a catchment population of 80,000 this pool had 47,647 visits in 1997, and a recovery rate of 35%.