Sports Abbotsford Calls for City to Open Outdoor Pools  

Sport Abbotsford, an association representing dozens of local sport organizations in Abbotsford, is calling for the City of Abbotsford to reconsider its decision to keep the Centennial Outdoor Pool closed this summer. 

Centennial Outdoor Pool is an important venue for families seeking recreation options, especially this year as other activities have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s closure further limits opportunities for parents and kids in the City, and will further push the capacity of other venues. 

Additionally, the pool serves as the primary home of the Abbotsford Whalers, leaving families without a viable venue this season.

“We understand the challenges the city faces during this time, solutions have been created at the provincial level to allow safe swimming activities. It is happening in towns across the Fraser Valley and B.C. but these opportunities can’t even happen in Abbotsford because local groups have been denied the opportunity to even try. Once again, decisions about our facilities are made without consultation with community groups. Again, as a parent, to meet the interests of our children we need to follow the roads that leave Abbotsford.”, said Scott Johnson, former President of the Abbotsford Whalers. 

Additionally, the City’s decision differs from other municipalities across the region who have announced plans to open their outdoor pools, including Langley, Delta, Surrey, Agassiz, and Vancouver. The City continues to fall behind other municipalities in its sports and recreation offerings for residents. 

“This pool closure is another example of the City of Abbotsford prioritizing finances over families, and focusing on revenue instead of recreation. This pool serves thousands of residents over the summer months, and is a safe summer activity as the province continues to re-open. We hope the City reverses course here and opens the pool.” said Josh Reynolds, Vice Chair of Sport Abbotsford. 

Sport Abbotsford is calling for the City to reconsider this decision and to open the pool as soon as possible.