The former Heald Pool in Riverside is seen Tuesday afternoon. The pool's demolition is scheduled to be completed in September. (Photo by Colton McKee)

By Charles Lefebvre

Heald Pool

City finalizing plans for Heald Pool site

Aug 6, 2019 | 4:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The City of Medicine Hat is in the process of finalizing plans for the site of the former Heald Pool, noting an outdoor rink will likely be on the spot within the next couple of years.

Demolition of the pool has been ongoing through the summer, with the majority of work set to take place in August.

“There was some lead abatement they had to take care of inside of the building, and they’ll be taking down the facility, getting rid of the pool and infill, and then basically creating a flat surface for an eventual high board rink to be placed in that location,” said Jamie McLeod, manager of business and asset planning with the City of Medicine Hat’s parks and recreation department.

The city closed the pool in Riverside in 2017 following budget cuts. The demolition is expected to be finished by September.

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Across the street, a high board rink sits on the site of the former Riverside School, which is now owned by Covenant Health. McLeod says discussions have been underway with Covenant Health about the rink and moving it to the old Heald Pool site.

The high board rink in Riverside (photo by Colton McKee)

“It would be relocated and shrunk down to some extent, because we don’t have the exact foot print as we do on the existing location,” he said.

McLeod says it’s important to ensure there are recreation activities available for the neighbourhood as it continues to evolve.

“We’re looking forward to getting the high board rink back on this location,” he said. “Just working with Covenent Health to make that happen, and hopefully we can make it a multi-sport facility that’s not only utilized in the winter, but also in the summer.”

McLeod says the discussions with Covenent Health centre are ongoing about their plans for work on the Riverside School site and potentially keeping the rink in place for another year. The rink would likely be moved in 2020.