Opening of some spray parks, outdoor pools delayed due to snowy spring

Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool in an undated photo.

As May long weekend approaches, some may be looking forward to partaking in the city’s spray parks and outdoor pools – weather permitting.

But with Edmonton seeing snowfall into the spring, there has been a stall in opening some of those amenities.

“Operational staff weren’t able to do the start-up work based on traditional timelines,” said Christina Chu, a City of Edmonton spokesperson, in an email Wednesday. “Staff tries to do as much work as we can with the snow on the ground, but basin cleaning and painting requires warm, dry weather.”

Spray parks in district parks such as Jackie Parker or Castle Downs will open on May 15, with all other spray parks opening by June 5.

The following outdoor pools are scheduled to open, weather and air quality permitting:

• Wîhkwêntôwin: May 20
• Mill Creek: May 23
• Queen Elizabeth: May 30
• Fred Broadstock: June 6
• Borden Natural Swimming Pool: June 20

Patrons are encouraged to bring their own food as concessions will no longer be available at outdoor pool sites.

“The city wants to be fiscally responsible, and concessions have not been financially viable for the past few years, so it didn’t make sense to continue,” said Chu.

Food trucks are invited to set up in facility parking lots on hot and busy days.

The city is also looking at procuring vending machines at select locations.