By rdnewsNOW staff

maintenance

Improvements nearing completion at Ponoka Aquaplex and Arena

May 30, 2020 | 2:40 PM

The Ponoka Aquaplex and the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex (Arena) have been undergoing extensive maintenance, cleaning and facility improvements since the two buildings closed to public access in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The maintenance and improvements that are underway at the Aquaplex are part of the pool’s annual Maintenance and Facility Improvement Program, which usually happens in September. However, with the facility currently closed, Town staff are completing the work now to allow for smooth operations and uninterrupted service when the Aquaplex reopens during Phase 3 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy.

The maintenance and improvements underway at the Arena began about two weeks earlier than scheduled due to the COVID-19 shutdown. However, due to the extended length of the shutdown, Town staff have had the opportunity to do extensive cleaning, interior painting and additional maintenance throughout the facility as well.

“Once the Province gives us the green light to safely reopen the pool and Arena, users at both facilities will be welcomed back to enjoy freshly cleaned and refurbished facilities that have been upgraded with a number of improvements,” said Chris McKenna, Manager of Operations for the Town of Ponoka.

Maintenance and facility improvements at the Ponoka Aquaplex include:

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 A completely refurbished and resurfaced hot tub. The hot tub tiles have been replaced with a durable new thermoplastic coating that provides a smoother surface and enhanced user experience;

 A new hot tub skimmer and filtering sand for improved filtration of the hot tub water;

 New pipe replacements which upgrade the circulation system for the main pool and deep tank;

 New chemical controllers that help maintain chemical levels in all of the pools;

 A new five-rung ladder in the deep tank that replaces one of the existing ladders with a sturdier, more userfriendly access aid, making it easier to get in and out of the deep tank;

 Electrical upgrades in the mechanical rooms;

 Upgrades to the windows between the CrossFit gym and the Aquaplex;

 Painting throughout the Aquaplex where needed;

 New signage throughout the facility in accordance with Lifesaving Society and Alberta Health standards, including new depth signage in the wading pool; and

 Deep cleaning and general maintenance throughout the facility.

Maintenance and facility improvements at the Arena include:

 Replacement of the ice headers and header trench coverings in both the curling rink and the large ice area. The new headers will improve the ice making process and cooling of both ice slabs;

 A new ice plant monitoring system that monitors and regulates ice temperature and humidity in the facility, resulting in improved energy efficiency;

 Replacement of damaged puck board and kick plates on the large and small ice;

 Repairs and painting of the stands in the large ice area;

 New clear protective coverings on the advertising boards at both ice surfaces;

 Painting throughout the facility, including the benches in the dressing rooms;

 General cleaning and maintenance throughout the facility.

“Staff at the Aquaplex and Arena have been working hard to ensure both facilities are in great shape and ready forreopening once we’re given the go-ahead to safely resume operations,” said McKenna.

(Town of Ponoka media release)