On February 27th 2023, the city of Burnaby made the decision to add a tensioned membrane modular structure to cover Central Park pool, which will turn the open-air outdoor pool into an indoor, uninsulated roof-covered pool.

Central Park pool is one of the only few outdoor pools in the Burnaby/Vancouver area. Located on Boundary road, it is utilized by Burnaby and Vancouver residents alike, as well as several swim clubs. It is the only outdoor swimming pool large enough to host big summer swim competitions. The pool is easily accessed in the summertime by bicycle, public transit, or by car. 

There is broad scientific evidence suggesting that public outdoor greenspaces, like outdoor pools, contribute to overall physical and mental health. In a country where over 70% of citizens are vitamin D deficient, it is in the public interest to leave the pool uncovered. In terms of mental health, countless studies indicate that greater access to green space is associated with less depression and less anxiety. Studies also indicate that green spaces are important for promoting physical activity, and increased physical activity benefits both physical and mental well-being. Outdoor pools are a great incentive to get outdoors, absorb some much-needed vitamin D, get active, and overall positively impact mental health.

Due to E. Coli levels at lakes and local beaches regularly reaching unsafe levels, outdoor pools remain the best option for enjoying swimming in the summertime. 

The shortage of outdoor pools for Vancouver residents is striking:

Recent closures of the SFU and C G Brown swimming pools in Burnaby (both for upgrades/renovations) have left Burnaby swim teams facing a shortage of pool time, and forced teams to practice at the outdoor Kensington pool during the cold winter months. This led Caprice swim club president to ask Burnaby city council to either give them more indoor pool time, or place a cover over an outdoor pool while they wait until the closed pools reopen.

While covering Central Park pool seems like a solution to the swim clubs' fight for pool time, the reality is that the proposed plan was already discussed by the parks commission, and was not recommended for these reasons:

• Overly costly despite temporary use
• The proposed roof is uninsulated - cold winter temperatures will still be a reality for swimmers in winter months
• Changerooms & staffrooms are separate and unroofed - additional costs to add roofs, heating, and ventilation
• Central Park Pool has a large deep end which makes it inefficient to heat during the winter months - the existing boiler is likely unable to provide sufficient heat
• Summertime swim meets at Central Park require a crane to install a metal bulkhead in the pool - the proposed roof will prevent crane access, so additional costs of a new moveable fiberglass bulkhead and infilling/removal of one of the two sets of pool entry stairs will be required.

The city of Burnaby needs to come up with a better solution for all residents and users of outdoor pools. Perhaps extending indoor pool hours, reopening C G Brown until SFU pool reopens, or finding extra pool time in neighbouring municipalities. 

Putting an uninsulated cover on a beloved outdoor pool is not a solution. Help save Central Park Pool!