(Left to right) Councillor Teresa Durning, Mayor Victor Cumming, MLA Harwinder Sandhu, and Councillor Kari Gares break ground for the revitalization of the Lakeview 'Peanut' Pool. (Photo credit: City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

$3.3-million

Ground broken for revitalization of Lakeview Peanut Pool

Jun 14, 2022 | 3:40 PM

Officials have broken ground for the revitalization of the wading pool in Vernon’s Lakeview Park.

The ground breaking held today, June 14, marks the start of construction for the replacement of the facility commonly known as the ‘Peanut Pool.’

The $3.3-million project is jointly funded by all three levels of government, with the federal and provincial government contributing a combined amount of nearly $1.9 million through the Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program — Community, Culture and Recreation.

The project is designed to increase accessibility for users and to make the space more inviting and sustainable for future use.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting revitalization project for one of Vernon’s iconic structures,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

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“Generations of kids have taken advantage of the Lakeview Wading Pool to cool down on a hot summer day. By investing in accessibility upgrades, we will provide even more children the opportunity to take part in that time-honoured summer tradition.”

The revitalization includes replacing the pool basin, constructing a new change room, washroom and mechanical room building and enhancing the park with the creation of a new small spray park.

“This is an extremely exciting project for our community,” said Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming.

“We’ve heard several stories from people who played in the pool as a kid many years ago, and as they got older, they brought their own kids — and grandkids — to experience the same great fun. In fact, I used to bring my own kids to play here and they loved it! This pool has served several generations in the Greater Vernon area and we know this revitalization project will make it possible to serve many more.”

The Lakeview Wading Pool on 18th Street in the East Hill neighbourhood, was originally opened to the public in 1958, and quickly earned the ‘Peanut Pool’ nickname due to its unique shape.

The new facility will pay homage to the original pool with peanut shapes showcased in the pool’s design.

“This project has certainly created a splash in the community and the Lakeview Pool has been a valued part of our community where years of treasured memories were made,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA, Harwinder Sandhu.

“I’m so glad to see the work underway to revitalize the pool, so that families can continue staying active, keeping cool, and making summer memories for many years come.”

It’s expected that the pool and spray park could be ready to open in the summer of 2023.