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Letter: Best kept secret in Penticton

One of the best kept secrets of Penticton is the Aquatic Centre
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Penticton Western News letters to the editor.

Best kept secret in Penticton

One of the best kept secrets of Penticton is the Aquatic Centre. Built in the early 80’s and redone a few years back it has been very important part of my life.

As with many large investments there were many who said we could not afford it, that it would not be used and would cost us too much over time.

I started swimming there when it opened in the ’80s. I moved away, came back, moved away again then returned to retire over 23 years ago. I met so many really nice people over that time.

In the old pool, at times, we would have as many as 10 or more swimming in one lane yet we all got along. With the building of the new pool, most of the time we can swim with two to five people in the lane during early morning swimming. I have swam in the afternoon and evening and seen so many children and families using the facility and enjoying it. The swim clubs, wow what a way to bring up your kids with an excellent healthy sport. When they come in early they are full of energy but dedicated to the healthy lifestyle that the pool provides.

For the seniors, we are the ones that swim in the early morning. So many stories with so many nice people. At the old pool the staff would organize a Christmas breakfast and swimmers would bring food. Our group — Clint, Lorne, Helen, Hila and myself would make eggs, sausage and French toast — staff members would take turns helping serve and clean up after. Carl and his harem, the real early birds, are such nice people. Carl always has time to say hello and is one of our best swimmers in Canada.

With that said, the reason I am writing this is to praise the staff at our Aquatic Centre. All the years that I have been using this facility I can say without a doubt that in all my travels I have never met such nice, professional folks that you look forward to seeing each day. I wish I could remember all the names over the years, but will say that never have I had an experience with staff members that was bad. One time I did have an issue, but the head lifeguard Jane handled it in a very professional manner. To the counter personnel, wow, so friendly, such good friends over the years. Again, look forward to seeing them every morning.

Now folks the best kept secret, $1 a day to use this facility if you are a super senior that is 75 or over. That is all day use of the pool, hot tub, sauna and if you find it open — the waterslide. A three month pass for super senior is less than $100.

So lets get out support our facility and meet some of the nicest folks you could ever want to meet. Not me, the staff at the pool.

Bob Otway

Penticton