Battlefords and District Co-op General Manager Pat Smith says the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre, which he helped officially open Saturday, fits in perfectly with the Co-op’s goal to contribute to the community.

“Your Co-op is so excited about being a part of a really historical event in our community. It directly supports one of our core values as a business – of building a better community. And it is a facility that we’re proud that can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages,” he said.

“I have to say, ‘wow,’ This is the first time I have been able to go into the facility and it’s absolutely incredible, and I know the community and the area is going to get a ton of use out of this fabulous facility,” Smith said.

Smith thanked city council and city administrative staff – particularly Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson – for the time he put in to help make the Aquatic Centre a reality.

“I want to thank the city, mayor, councillors, the administration team, for fulfilling this incredible vision for the Battlefords and area,” he said.

He also thanked the Credit Union CU Plex Fundraising Committee -- especially its co-chairs Rob Rongve and Heath Gabruch – for their work to raise $10 million for the CU Plex.

“We cannot say enough good things about individuals such as these who have tirelessly donated their time, and we are so fortunate to have (them) in our community,” he said.

“On behalf of the Co-op members, the board of directors, and all of our employees of the Battlefords Co-op, thank you and please enjoy this facility,” Smith said to applause.

Anderson described Smith as the “founder of this morning’s feast” (a pancake breakfast was held early in the morning before speeches were made and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.

After the ribbon was cut to officially open the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre, the crowd rushed in to take a look. Lots of kids and their parents got into the water to check it out for themselves.

The most popular facilities were the wave pool, the lazy river which feeds into the wave pool, and the red and yellow waterslides.
Nathaniel Stewart, 12, and Harrison Woloschuk, 12, loved the waterslides the best.

“It’s awesome,” Stewart said. “The yellow one is deadly. You have fewer curves and you go really fast. The red one has more curves and bends in it.”

“The whole thing is awesome,” Woloschuk said.