Camp needs new pool

FREDERICTON – A new pool for Camp Medley isn’t just a dream. It’s become a necessity.

The pool at the Diocese of Fredericton’s camp was built in 1968, some say out of fear that the construction of the Mactaquac Dam upstream would impact the river as far down as Upper Gagetown. The river was the only swimming option at the camp at the time.

That river impact didn’t happen, but the camp got a pool with an expected lifespan of 30 years. That was 56 years ago.

“The cement is deteriorating,” said camp director John Galbraith, adding the six- or seven-inch thick walls are much thinner these days, the deck is wearing away, it is unheated and has accessibility issues, and there are holes in the pool wall.

“It was a great pool for its day,” he said. “But we want to be open to more user groups.”

What he has in mind, and what has been approved, is a pool that would serve both the camp and the community, since there is no public pool in the region.

The design looks nothing like a traditional pool. It allows for a “beach” style, barrier-free entry for those with mobility issues. It has no lip around the edge. It would include a shallow pool plus a 25-metre lap pool that would allow for swim teams and synchronized swimming. It would also have full bathroom and changing facilities. The design is three pools in one.

It would be built at the entrance to the camp so that public access would be limited to that area.

“This is all so that we create opportunities, not limit them,” he said, adding the pool could be in use by 2026 if all goes well with fundraising.

Tagging along on the project is a new maintenance facility. The current building is just a shed. The new one would have a repair shop, storage for camp programs and equipment, and plenty of space. Together, the projects total $2.8 million –  $2.45 million for the pool, and $350,000 for the maintenance building.

New Brunswick Anglican