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Calgary Herald

Calgary outdoor pools, wading pools and spray parks to open this weekend

Calgarians will be able to make a splash this weekend at outdoor pools, wading pools and spray parks. Article content A few of the city's eight outdoor pools, managed by the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA), have already opened for the summer season, with the rest set to open by Saturday. Location information, admission fees and drop-in times can be found on COSPA's website. Article content Article content Article content 'We are really excited about this season for Calgary's outdoor public pools,' said Käthe Lemon, chair of COSPA's board of directors. Article content Article content Changes include longer swim times, earlier hours, $2 admission and a $60 pool rental fee. Article content Riley Harper, COSPA's executive director, said he's expecting a good turnout this weekend, despite rain in the forecast. Article content 'I think people are excited regardless of the weather,' he said. ' It seems kind of unconventional to swim on a rainy day, but it's a really cool experience.' Article content Harper also noted that there are still spots available to enrol in swimming lessons, and they're also rolling out adaptive swimming lessons in partnership with Vecova for July and August. Article content Article content 'Vecova are leaders in the city and industry in providing adaptive programming,' Harper said. Article content All wading pools and spray parks are also expected to open this weekend, with the exception of Prairie Winds Park, which will remain closed for repairs until mid-July. Article content 'There are a number of reasons that can delay the opening of spray parks and wading pools,' a city of Calgary spokesperson said. Each spring, the parks and pools undergo inspections and testing to ensure they're functioning properly and meet health and safety requirements. Article content Last year, citywide water restrictions resulting from the Bearspaw feeder main break delayed the opening of pools and spray parks until July. COSPA has since worked closely with the city to make changes to the classification of outdoor pools and their programming, and will no longer be required to shut down under Stage 3 or 4 restrictions. Article content 'It's just a big relief,' Harper said. 'We're really grateful to the city for working alongside us and with us to provide our staff with that security.'