The Drumheller Aquaplex offers all year round fun for everyone. Unfortunately, despite the major renovations carried out in the spring, its waterslide is still in need of structural repairs.
For five year old Matthew and three year old Ryder, the waterslide is the best thing at the Aquaplex.
Sarah Sam, their mother, explains “all they want to do when we go to the Aquaplex is go down the waterslide, they have such fun! There isn’t anything else for them to do there as no pool is available for them to splash about in unless I go in with them”, says Sarah, “I think they’d be very upset if they didn’t have it…I’d have to take them somewhere else out of town as there are no other public pools in Drumheller.”
In view of the age of the waterslide, the conundrum now faced by the town is refit, replace or shutdown until funds can be found.
Al Kendrick, director of Infrastructure confirmed “it is a major concern for us but is in our budget process right now. We still have some issues we need to address a bit further before we move forward. Right now, this is sitting in the list and we really need to take a hard look at it this year.”
Although there is no indication of the costs involved at this stage, a refit may not be an option due to the major reconstruction which may be required.
Kendrick is anticipating that a decision will be made on this issue during the first week of January as the town will need to have the grant application ready to submit for funding. Kendrick stresses that if the slide becomes unsafe at any point in time, it will be closed.
Councillor Sharel Shoff told Inside Drumheller that following the town’s budget meeting on Monday December 14, improving the waterslide is a high priority.
No doubt the fate of the waterslide will be eagerly awaited in the New Year.
