Artist rendition of the new Carleton Place pool
A proposed $25-million recreation facility in Carleton Place is being shaped by community feedback, with residents highlighting the need for more swimming, indoor sports, walking and gathering spaces — while raising questions about affordability and the proposed location.
The feedback incorporated responses from more than 1,400 residents, community organizations, and user groups.
A community consultation report identifies aquatic facilities as a major priority, with strong interest in a 10-lane competition pool, a warm therapeutic pool and leisure swimming areas.
The facility could support everything from swimming lessons and aquafit to competitive meets and recreational programs.
Director of Community Services Diana Knight reported on how aquatics scored.
Other popular features include an indoor walking track, a multi-court gymnasium, fitness areas and flexible community rooms for meetings, arts activities, performances and special events.
Accessibility is another recurring theme.
Residents want universal change rooms, pool lifts, barrier-free pathways and better options for families and people of all abilities.
Flexible programming, including more youth activities, drop-in sports and wellness workshops, also emerged as a community need.
However, the consultation revealed concerns about the proposed site south of Highway 7. Knight cited some reasons provided.
Some participants questioned whether the location would be convenient for people living closer to downtown, particularly seniors and those without access to a vehicle. Safe pedestrian and cycling connections, along with transportation options, were identified as important considerations.
The potential financial impact is also on residents’ minds.
Participants stressed the importance of affordable admission, family memberships and drop-in options, while questioning the possibility of higher taxes and the need to maintain existing municipal infrastructure.
The report reflects input gathered through online surveys, focus groups and public events. It will help inform future decisions about the facility’s design, amenities and programming.
Knight wrote in her report that “public engagement does not end with this report; the Town is committed to continuing to consulting with the community at key milestones throughout the planning and development process to ensure the facility reflects community needs, responds to emerging priorities, and remains aligned with the vision identified through this engagement process.”
Story by Brian Turner
