Free swimming at Port Coquitlam outdoor pools this summer
Posted April 21, 2023 9:02 am.
Last Updated April 21, 2023 9:03 am.
While the temperatures are yet to heat up around Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is already in summer mode.
The municipality is announcing Friday that its outdoor pools will be free for drop-in swimmers this summer.
Mayor Brad West says he’s excited about the program as families struggle with rising costs.
“Recreation activities like swimming have an important role to play in helping to build strong and connected communities,” said West. “Once again, Port Coquitlam is showing real leadership. This free access to outdoor aquatic amenities expands access to recreation which provides numerous benefits to the individual participants and the entire community.”
I’m excited to share that Port Coquitlam is making outdoor public pools FREE! With life getting more expensive, our Council feels this is an important way to support PoCo families and promote health & recreation! Check out the video for details & be ready to hit the pool! pic.twitter.com/vJXVXGbHPU
— Brad West (@BradWestPoCo) April 21, 2023
The city says offering free swimming encourages families to spend time together, promotes the healthy development of children, and ensures access for all community members to a safe, supervised environment where folks can learn to swim — “a critical safety skill.”
The city’s outdoor pools, Centennial and Robert Hope, will be opening in the coming weeks and city staff will report back to council at the end of the summer with results of the program’s success.
“Port Coquitlam will be the first in the Tri-Cities to offer outdoor public swimming for free. Our council knows how expensive life is becoming. And we think this is an important way to support Port Coquitlam families. So when the weather improves, make a plan to come check out our outdoor pools,” West said.
