Yellowknifers stopped by for one last swim before bidding a fond farewell to the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool on Sunday afternoon.
The public pool was filled with smiling faces as community members of all ages jumped in to enjoy every ounce of fun for its final public swim.
Yesterday the pool hosted a special Farewell Celebration but today it was all about swimming.
“We’ve got tons of people in here today. I think just about everybody who wasn’t here yesterday, is coming in today to enjoy the pool one more time,” Erik, a lifeguard from Ruth Inch Memorial, told True North FM on Sunday.
“This place has been around long before I was born.”
The Pool first opened in 1988 and was named after a respected member of the community, named Ruth Inch. A big advocate of swimming safety, Ruth Inch dedicated many years working and volunteering with various community organizations including the Polar Bear Swim Club, the N.W.T. Swim Association, the YMCA, Sport North, the public library and the Girl Guides.
The pool is filled with “tons of memories” for many people in Yellowknife.
“Teaching lessons here, going to lessons here, I’ve spent a lot of time here, but I think the memories that are going to be made at the new pool are going to be just as good even better,” said Erik.
The Ruth Inch Memorial Pool is a big reason why Erik became a lifeguard.
“All of the people here, you just see glowing smiles of all the people who have worked here over the years have really made me want to get in here and get involved.”
Katie Johnson was at the pool with her hubby and her two children Sidney and Eddie. Johnson held back a tear and smiled brightly looking back at the many happy days enjoyed at the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool.
“Sidney and Eddie both learned to swim here as babies,” said Johnson.
“It’s been a place that served us well as a family,” added husband Trevor. “I’m both excited about the new pool and I guess a little bit sad to see this pool close but mostly just glad for the new one.”
Brenden Callas enjoyed one last swim at the Ruth Inch Memorial pool with his two kids Marin and Carlyle. Callas said that everyone is feeling “little nostalgic” but ready for “change.”
“I think the change is good too and the new pool should fit our community a little better with the bigger capacity,” said Callas.
The Ruth Inch Memorial Pool will always hold a special place in the hearts of the many Yellowknifers who first learned to swim here.
“Both our little ones have grown up with swimming lessons here and spent their first time in the water in this pool, so they’ll miss it for sure but are excited for the new one,” explained Callas.
A brand new 71 million dollar state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre is in the final touches and getting ready to open its doors within about one month.
Yellowknife’s upcoming Aquatic Centre boasts many accessibility features including wheelchair-friendly entrances, wheelchair ramps leading into the pools, an elevator, an aquatic wheelchair available for use, accessible adult change tables with a portable lift, universal change rooms and pictogram signage.
The new centre is located nearby on 6000 Franklin Avenue, near the YK Community Arena. While Ruth Inch Memorial’s swimming days may be done, the site may soon be revitalized to serve the community in other ways. The city announced recently that a community engagement will be held next year to decide what will become of the site.
