Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre Study
Lang McGilp, VP Research Services
Alexandra Campbell, Data Analyst
April 4th, 2007
Project Background
• In March 2007, the City of Saskatoon contracted
Insightrix to conduct a telephone survey of the general
public to gain feedback about potential changes to the
50 metre pool portion of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre.
• A random sample of Saskatoon residents living in the
neighbourhoods surrounding the Harry Bailey Aquatic
Centre was purchased from ASDE Survey Sampler in
Hull, Quebec.
• Data was collected from March 28, 2007 to April 1, 2007.
• Of the 1,246 qualified and available residents contacted,
a total of 610 people completed the survey, for a cooperation rate of 49.0%.
Slide 2
What neighbourhood do respondents live in?
Respondents live in a variety of different neighbourhoods, most commonly City Park,
Downtown and Mount Royal.
15.6%
City Park
Central Business District / Downtown Area
13.9%
Mount Royal
13.8%
12.8%
Caswell Hill
11.0%
Mayfair
9.2%
North Park
Westmount
5.9%
Richmond Heights
5.9%
5.6%
Hudson Bay Park
5.1%
Riversdale
Kelsey - Woodlawn
1.3%
Base: All respondents (n=610)
Slide 3
Usage of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
The majority of respondents do not use the Harry Bailey
Aquatic Centre (60.2%). Of those who do use it, the most
common uses are public swimming, swimming lessons,
and drop in use of the fitness room.
60.2%
Public swimming
39.8%
Do not use
Use
Base: All respondents (n=610)
78.2%
25.9%
Swimming lessons
12.8%
Drop in use of the fitness room
9.9%
Drop in lane swimming
Participate in aquafitness class
5.8%
Other
5.3%
Participate in one of the swim clubs that rent the facility
4.5%
Participate in the synchronized swimming club that rents the facility
0.8%
Participate in the water polo club that rents the facility
0.4%
Base: Those who use the aquatic centre (n=243)
Slide 4
Preferences for changes to 50 metre pool space
Respondents are about equally likely to prefer to convert the bleachers to dry land or leave
the pool as is. Less than one quarter indicated their first preference would be to convert
the pool to dry land.
39.9%
46.7%
Convert bleachers to dry land
12.1%
37.7%
35.1%
Leave pool as is
29.0%
22.4%
Convert pool to dry land
18.2%
58.9%
3rd Preference
2nd Preference
1st Preference
Slide 5
First preferences of those who use and do not
use the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
Both users and non-users have similar first preferences.
39.8%
Convert bleachers to dry land
39.9%
40.3%
Leave pool as is
35.7%
19.9%
Convert pool to dry land
24.4%
Do not use (n=308)
Use (n=236)
Slide 6
First preferences by age
Respondents who are at least 65 years old are most likely to prefer to leave the pool as is.
This is true for both users and non-users.
47.6%
43.4%
Convert bleachers to dry land
40.3%
29.7%
25.4%
36.4%
Leave pool as is
31.5%
54.8%
27.0%
20.2%
Convert pool to dry land
28.2%
15.5%
65 and over (n=155)
50 to 64 (n=124)
35 to 49 (n=129)
18 to 34 (n=126)
Slide 7
Other Ideas
Overall, most respondents do not have any other ideas for the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre.
Those who do have ideas cling to options already presented.
58.5%
No other ideas
Keep pool as is
21.1%
Increased aquatics programs
4.4%
Fill in Pool for Dry Land Purposes
3.9%
Walking/Running Track and Fitness Centre
3.6%
Convert to Leisure Centre (Waterslides/Recreation Facilities)
Offer Special Rates/ Free Swim Times
Other
2.1%
1.6%
7.9%
Base: All respondents (n=610)
Slide 8
Summary
• There appears to be little support for converting the pool
to dry land, with less than one quarter of respondents
indicating this as their first preference (22.4%)
• Most respondents would like to either convert the
bleachers around the pool to dry land (39.9%) or keep
the pool as is (37.7%).
• The preferences of those who use the Harry Bailey
Aquatic Centre do not differ significantly from those who
do not use the facility.
• Analysis by age reveals respondents who are at least 65
years old are most likely to prefer to leave the pool as is.
Slide 9
Implications
•
•
•
Overall, based on this brief questionnaire, the pubic is generally
interested in minimal or no change to the Harry Bailey Aquatic
Centre, as it relates to the 50 metre pool.
However, it is important to keep in mind minimal information was
included when the proposed concepts (removing bleachers or
converting the pool for dry land use) were presented to respondents.
Therefore it is natural for individuals to offer somewhat cautious
responses.
Additional public involvement may be of benefit to the City when
deciding the fate of the 50 metre pool, such as town hall
discussions, focus groups or other avenues of collecting feedback
from those living in neighbourhoods surrounding the aquatic centre.
These avenues offer the opportunity to more fully explain the options
and associated implications so the public can provide a more
informed opinion to City Council.
Slide 10
27
24
22
13
10
Increased Aquatics Programs (I.e.: Aqua Fitness, Lessons)
Fill in Pool for Dry land Purposes
Walking/Running Track and Fitness Centre
Convert to Leisure Centre (Waterslides/Recreation Facilities)
Offer Special Rates/ Free Swim Times
100
4.0
5.1
8.7
9.5
10.7
19.0
51.0
No Change - 129 responses (Keep the Pool Open As Is)
(2) Will continue to use the services at Harry Bailey
(1) As I understand it, it’s only a couple measurements short of Olympic size. I cannot see why
the facility cannot be used as a training facility.
(1) Concern is in the costs, relating to tax dollars. Nice to keep because of the central location.
(1) Continue to operate with all their programs
(1) Do not close 50 metre pool space, it is needed
(1) Does use the pool
(1) For kids to go swimming is a good thing especially in the winter time to get them out of the
house. There is so much obesity around, they need to get up and moving.
(1) Great as it is.
(1) Harry Bailey has ran into some troubles over the years. I don't know if it is all fixed up, but if it
is, I would certainly like to keep the pool as it is, regardless of the new facility opening up.
(1) Has used the pool in the past and has enjoyed it.
(1) I am concerned that the pool should stay as is and where it is because it services a more core
part of town. It is great that we are getting the big competition size pool on the outskirts of town
but I do not want this changed to have services vacate our downtown/core area of Saskatoon. It
is a convenient location. As far as it goes for keeping my neighborhood viable, I would like to see
it continue because we need those facilities in this area. We don't have a school and we don't
have a spray park and we need to offer some services for this area.
(1) I am new to Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. I find that here there is not a time for seniors. The
pools are not too expensive for families, it is wonderful. Where I came from they had a designated
time for seniors to use the pool and it was cheaper. I can only afford to use the pool here because
my family helps me with it. They also had an option for those with medical problems who if
suggested by a doctor to swim, they could enter the pool for lower rates. Money is saved for
253
48
Other
Total
129
Keep the Pool Open As Is
Total # % of Responses
Do you have any other ideas for potential future use of the 50 metre pool space at Harry
Bailey Aquatic Centre or any other comments?
health care by patients using pools. Where I was from they had a special arrangement between
the health care system and the pools. The Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is good as it is. Its better
than the other facilities. They should leave it alone, it is a wonderful space. Saskatoon is growing
and there is room for two pools.
(1) I can't say too much because I don't get to use the space because of my age. But I do have
grandchildren who go there, and I think they should leave it as is.
(1) I do not know why we are building a new one, if we already have one.
(1) I don't think there is any reason to get rid of it.
(1) I don't understand why we need another pool. What is Blairmore going to have that Harry
Bailey doesn't? I think that Blairmore could be put to better use such as a gymnasium, soccer,
and skating rink. I don't feel we need any more pools.
(1) I don't use it but I know people that do and they like it.
(1) I don't want change. I used that pool. You can swim lanes.
(1) I have only done aqua at the YWCA, but I do know people that use that pool a lot and would
be upset if it changed.
(1) I haven't thought about it much. I think it is a lot better for doing long laps.
(1) I heard about all of this on the news and it should just be left alone. It is a good facility for the
city to have.
(1) I highly suspect that the city has already decided what to do, but they are just kind of playing
with this survey here. I found it to be very sad notion. I hope they will listen to the people who
actually use it and make the best use of facility. Since our population is growing they should open
one more 50 metre pool, but continue to maintain this 50 metre pool.
(1) I hope it remains the same. I will be using the Centre for aqua fitness in the future.
(1) I just think it's good to keep the pool where it is. I don't know what they can put in there,
treadmills maybe.
(1) I like it the way it is. We do laps there.
(1) I like it the way it is. It's always hard to find a spot to do lane swimming as it's always busy.
(1) I like it the way it was. It served our purpose. I'd like to see it the same.
(1) I like the centre
(1) I like the pool there. It's been there a long time and close to home.
(1) I like the pool, my kids enjoy it, would not like to see it closed because it is closest for his
family.
(1) I look at it and I think it's very well used now. It seems you either you have to go to far ends of
the city if you need something.
(1) I love the pool that is there and if they had more lane time on weekends that would be good. I
am grateful for that pool, when I am injured it's very nice.
(1) I really am not aware of the politics of it but it is important to keep the pool open especially
considering the new participation program they are talking about.
(1) I really do not want the pool closed down. I think we still need it in our community. It still
serves the city regardless of an Olympic pool on the other side of the city. There is enough use to
keep this one viable.
(1) I really value the availability of a 50 metre lane swimming pool close to my neighbourhood. I
don't have to drive there; I can walk or bike there. All three of my family members use this pool
and plan to do so in the future. I really hope they keep that 50 metre pool at Harry Bailey. It would
be a significant loss to the core neighbourhoods if that pool wasn't available.
(1) I suppose what will happen is all the swim meets will go to Blairmore so it won't be used for
that anymore. I think Saskatoon is big enough to have two large pools.
(1) I think if the city is continuing to grow, there is no need to get rid of the 50 m pool. I'm sure it
will be used.
(1) I think it is a useful thing to have in the area. It is handy for people to get to rather than go out
to the new facility. They could make a walking space beside.
(1) I think it's good the way it is, I would like to see the 50 meter open to the public more.
(1) I think it's great, the kids can use it.
(1) I think it's important to have more then one 50 meter pool, especially if one of them is more
directed for competitions.
(1) I think it's important we keep this place.
(1) I think off season training for athletes would be good. Turning the space into dry land is a
good idea, but I do think they should keep the pool because its inside the city and accessible.
(1) I think that since the city is growing we really shouldn't be getting rid of the pool at Harry
Bailey Aquatic Centre.
(1) I think that the basic problem that happens if they remove it, is that you will have less interest
in its use in general. If you go somewhere else, you will also take your kids with you. A lot of
students do actively swim every noon hour between classes.
(1) I think the kids can still use it for swimming lessons. It is more convenient to use it. My
husband can still use it for lane swimming where it is. It is easier for aqua size. People around
here use it for that.
(1) I think the pool is important. Lots of kids need that place.
(1) I think there should be swimming space left there for sure because I know a lot of people who
still use it. To take the swimming space away totally and turn it to dry land space would take it
away from the community.
(1) I think they are doing a good job there. There are no complaints.
(1) I think they do need a swimming pool for the younger people.
(1) I think they should keep it because our grandchildren use it.
(1) I think they should leave it as it is because the population is growing and later on they'll wish
they would have kept the pool.
(1) I think they should leave it the way it is. Both centres will serve different purposes, so there's
no need to convert the 50 metre pool.
(1) I think they should leave the diving boards and other than that, they can do what they want
with it.
(1) I think you should keep it open for schools or local clubs for a reasonable price.
(1) I will continue using the services available at Harry Bailey.
(1) I wish it would stay open.
(1) I would like for the Aquatic Centre to stay the same, due to swimming lessons, swimming
meets, and recreational activities.
(1) I would like it to stay as a pool.
(1) I would like to keep the pool as it is for the inner city people.
(1) I would think, let's say if there was some wellness equipment available, perhaps they could
put some more fitness stuff in. I would think we need to keep the pool going. I haven't heard
anything bad about it.
(1) I'd be sad to see the 50 metre pool closed down.
(1) I'd like to keep a pool there for use.
(1) I'm glad they are keeping it. It is very valuable to the people in the area.
(1) If there is another pool being built there is no need for another one. Don't renovate it.
(1) If you have people swimming you can't get rid of the bleachers and I am not sure about
getting rid of the pool all together either. If you are looking for a dry land site, build one separate.
(1) Is it cost effective to fill in the pool, and reuse for another purpose?
(1) It is a nice pool just the way it is.
(1) It is good it should stay there because it is great so why change it.
(1) It is good to have a swimming space there. The city needs it. There are older swimmers from
the east side that use it a lot. We need pool space for older people to swim because there are
only options in the city to swim laps for 50 meters.
(1) It is important to keep the facility open. It serves an area of town more than other facilities. It is
important to have it there in the future.
(1) It is very convenient. The new pool will be nice but it is far away. The kids enjoy diving here.
We go there weekly.
(1) It should be maintained. The Centre would still be busy.
(1) It should stay the same.
(1) Its doing good now.
(1) I’d like to keep it just as it is with renovations to bring it up to standard.
(1) Just leave it the way it is.
(1) Keep it as a pool in the area in the west side
(1) Keep it as it is, for people who can not get to the outlying areas
(1) Keep it as it is. I don't want that to change. That should be one of the confident things in this
community.
(1) Keep the pool as is
(1) Keep the pool if possible, but change is good too
(1) Keep the pool, but they need to buy more land for parking
(1) Leave it as is.
(1) Leave the pool alone, wait and see what happens when the new civic centre opens then
maybe reevaluate its use at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
(1) Leave the pool there.
(1) Make more wide use of the pool to apply to different clientele. Hang onto it, and dump the
bleachers.
(1) My grandchildren use the pool, they enjoy it, they will use the 50 metre pool as well, so leave
it alone.
(1) My kids really like using the diving boards. It's important to keep the diving boards.
(1) My preference is to leave the pool there. If you expand the city and take away services from
the core, you kill the core area. They need to leave it there as a facility for the core area.
(1) My wife and I will continue to go to Harry Bailey
(1) Other than keeping it as it is, I don't have any other suggestions.
(1) Our city is big enough... why do we need a new one? There aren't very many competitive
swimmers.
(1) Personally I think it is sad when facilities are taken out of the centre of the city and removed to
the outside of the city. That has happen very much in this area. That has been some of the bad
choices made by the city. Even though it is an older facility I really hope it stays as is.
(1) Pool space is at a premium for those who need them. The pool needs to stay open in some
fashion.
(1) Should be just a public pool unless they want to sell it to SIAST.
(1) Still uses Harry Bailey at this time
(1) The Blairmore facility requires cars, bad for environment. Hairy Bailey in walking distance and
good for people without cars. Central location is important.
(1) The boys enjoy the pool.
(1) The location at Harry Bailey is great for people who are more centrally located, but the new
one may benefit the people off 22nd, or closer to 22nd, he is not sure whether it will be used by
the people in the area or if people will go to Harry Bailey because it is more central.
(1) The more pools we have the better, it is good to keep the civic centers in the middle of the
city.
(1) The new pool is way too far for the neighborhood people to use the new facility unless they
have their own car.
(1) The Olympic size pool is for competitive swimming and we need more pools like the Harry
Bailey for recreational swimming.
(1) The pool is there already, why do they need to change the space? Plus it's closer than the
one that's going up on 22nd street.
(1) The pool should stay as is.
(1) The school is close for Kelsey students to go to. I think they should keep it!
(1) The smaller pool which is warmer usually does not have people in it. I never saw anyone in it.
I always wondered what it was built for. In the larger pool I've seen kids from school with their
boats and aquatics. It seems like they use that one a lot. There was always younger people using
it. If they build a new facility major events will go there, but they should keep the pool at Harry
Bailey. Any place where there is a place for children to do exercise should be made available. If a
pool is not being used it should be converted into something that children could use. We keep
talking about overweight children in this province and the university is the only option. It would be
nice to have more options that the university.
(1) There is a long winter season but some people might need it for their use to get exercise. If a
pool is being used why change it.
(1) There is a need for indoor swimming in winter. They should just leave it like it is.
(1) They should convert it to a track. There would be more people using the facility if there were a
track and multi-purpose gymnasium. There are still uses for the 50 metre pool. This is a great
Other - 48 responses (Other)
(1) As long as we don't have to pay more taxes for the renovations, then do whatever you want.
(1) Be nice if there were family changing rooms.
(1) Develop for the best use for the residents of Saskatoon.
(1) Does not use the centre and has no plans to do so
(1) How much will it cost for these renovations. They need to use their money more wisely. They
need to use it accordingly and not using it on these pointless things. When there is pot holes and
buildings and houses to fix. How much will the public be using this new place? These are
questions people need to know before anyone can really answer these questions.
(1) I am not into swimming so it does not affect me.
(1) I am not using public facilities at all so I don't know if a walking track would be a better idea for
the area. My concern all around is the fact that this is an aging population as well as a young
population in this area. I expect the aging population to increase in this area so they should take
that into consideration and it is the only public recreational facility in the downtown core. The
programs available to me are all the way over at the Field House which is not central so this is the
potential to serve the aging population.
(1) I believe that the pool is not needed and is just another way to get more tax dollars out of
Saskatoon residents.
(1) I do not think that the public is aware that they are keeping the pool. I think people are thinking
that it will be closed down.
neighbourhood. I hate to lose any kinds of services and we do need a community centre. There is
no gym in the neighbourhood.
(1) They should find somewhere else if they can but they should leave the pool there if they can.
(1) They should keep it as a pool because it would serve a lot of people who would probably use
it.
(1) They should keep the pool as it is.
(1) They should make the pool to more accessible to parents who have small children. I think if
they were to convert the space, I think a fitness area would be good, perhaps a coffee shop for
lounging.
(1) They should promote the availability of Harry Bailey. They should create greater promoter and
awareness especially for older people. They should provide shuttle service for older people. The
other part is used for children but there are many benefits especially for those who live downtown
who don’t have access to other pools.
(1) They should up grade and leave it alone or take it out completely if they are putting a new one
up in 2009.
(1) They should upgrade the pool.
(1) This is an established pool that is easy for people to reach. Is there going to be transit
available for the people who don't have their own transportation. The existing pool should be left
alone because people are using it just the way it is.
(1) We live so close to the pool, it's walking distance. I don't want it to shut down. I'd hate to see
the pool area filled in. I think they could make a bigger land fitness area because the one they
have is kind of small. They could offer more programs for the community around it. Blairmore is
quite a distance away. I can afford to do it, but some people don't.
(1) We need all the pools to keep the kids busy.
(1) We need to keep the pool in this area because we only have the Mayfair pool in the area. Not
everyone has the option to get out the Blairmore. We need to encourage children to be active and
fit, so there needs to be more centers available for that purpose.
(1) Will continue to support the facility and their programs, I have no kids, but do swim myself
(1) Will continue to use the pool when I can
(1) Will continue to use the services available at Harry Bailey
(1) Would like it to remain as is
(1) Would like the to keep the pool
(1) Would like to keep taking my kids when they were younger and also great for Kelsey
Students.
(1) Would like to see pool stay as it is.
(1) I do not use the pool at all, so it really does not matter
(1) I don't know much about it so whatever they do is fine with me.
(1) I don't like how the Goldfins have first choice for practice times and everyone else gets the
bad hours. It's not very fair and it costs way more money then the Goldfins have to pay.
(1) I enjoy swimming.
(1) I have no comment and I have no family that uses it so it really does not matter to me. It
should be up to those who would use it.
(1) I have no kids here or grandchildren here. I am 71 years of age. I don't know if anyone is
around there much. Is there enough people to use the pool way over there?
(1) I have only been there once. It is something that is not in my neighbourhood.
(1) I think the west side gets short changed to converting facilities. We don't need another parking
lot, we need to keep facilities available for people to use. I think taking out the bleachers is a good
idea, it will allow for more variety of usages.
(1) I think they should use it to do underwater studies for the military. They should rent it out to
the military. They should work the military trainees with the land fitness space.
(1) I use Lawson Heights more due to convenience, because I have young children
(1) I used it a lot when I went to Kelsey. I lane swam there almost every noon hour but that was
over 20 years ago. I haven't been there in years.
(1) I would have to say that the third option in the previous question sums up my views, and what
I would like.
(1) I would rather they did not keep it open. It is another cost to maintain and I am paying this in
taxes. We have to pay for this.
(1) I would say that they should renovate it if it is cheaper. I am mainly concerned with the costs,
and the costs to the taxpayers. They should look at what the minorities first. What would they do
with a new building? They should spend money fixing old facilities rather than building new ones.
(1) If it can’t be used as it is, you have to do something with it.
(1) If the population increases, whatever they plan, will be a good plan. In these facilities, the
more we can involve the kids from infancy, the better things will be. This endeavor is worthwhile.
(1) If they are going to renovate, it would help to put in better ventilation for the smell of the
chlorine at the top of the bleachers. One other thing a needed family change space.
(1) If you don't have a car it is difficult for some to go out to that new facility.
(1) It does not affect me anyway, I use Lawson Heights as it is the closest to me
(1) It has been around this long, it would be the same without it.
(1) It will be perfect for provincial but in order to make it international one you have make a new
pool because there will be bigger crowd for international, so bigger pool will be better for that.
(1) I’d wait 6 months overlap to see how usage changes and then make your decision.
(1) Lots of kids swim. We need a grocery here.
(1) Maybe it should deal more with the younger children, something that they can go to and feel
safe.
(1) My grand children may have used the facility.
(1) One issue people have is transportation. There are lots of apartments here.
(1) The Field House is too far to go there.
(1) The level of the water in the pool is quite high. It was a little high for them to go swimming.
(1) The sooner they get it done, the better for everyone, including the kids. They can use it and
have a great time.
(1) They need something to use. More space for the young
(1) They should upgrade the pool.
(1) Using Griffith Stadium, it's for the rich, and it does not help our children in Saskatoon. The
only people who belong to track clubs belong to home with a good income, I was not impressed.
I'd like to see changes.
(1) We don't have a leisure facility besides Harry Bailey. We don’t have a fitness place close to
our area of the city. Anything that changes that has a concern for us. We are okay for changing
the space.
(1) We don't use it. Our kids are kind of young now so in the future they may use it because it is
close to City Park.
Aquatics - 27 responses (Increased Aquatics Programs (Ie: Aqua Fitness, Lessons))
(1) I believe they need the space for the swim clubs.
(1) I don't go in the 50 meter, but I think the pool is really cold and if they could let us use flippers
in the other pool that would be really cool.
(1) I love the pool that is there and if they had more lane time on weekends that would be good. I
am grateful for that pool, when I am injured it's very nice.
(1) I really enjoyed the kayak and canoeing lessons I took there. I hope this continues to be an
option there.
(1) I think for most people you can practice your speed there and your breathing.
(1) I wish they would have a gentle aqua class during the day and that is why I go to Lawson
Civic Centre because they offer that. They should have those types of things at Harry Bailey for
people our age. That is why they don't have the attendance as they should. They stuck it to the
poor people in this area and made them feel they weren't worth anything. The people who were
running it were high and mighty and they were arrogant people. They didn't care about what the
kids wanted. The kids at Lawson Heights love the wave pool.
(1) I would like it if it were deeper and had more diving boards.
(1) I'll be going back to Bailey when I can for aqua size.
(1) If the city will continue to operate it, they may team up with the health district and get some
sort of geriatric exercise program. They could be tied in nicely.
(1) It is good to have a swimming space there. The city needs it. There are older swimmers from
the east side that use it a lot. We need pool space for older people to swim because there are
only options in the city to swim laps for 50 meters.
(1) It should be used for water polo.
(1) Keep the competitions
(1) Keep the pool for kayak space.
(1) More free public swims would be nice. I would like to see some more aerobics classes.
(1) More space for aquatic exercise. More times available. Variety of times.
(1) My son uses it for the deep end and high boards. I don't think it would be a loss if they used it
for dry land as well.
(1) Schools should have more access during the days specially primary kids because they are
deprived to using the pool. More active participation of children in the pool.
(1) Scuba Diving lessons, and kayaking lessons, as well as canoeing lessons.
(1) The kiddie pool is adequate, but where a lot of kids do there lessons along side the Goldfins, it
gets very crowded, so why can they not use the fifty meter area for more lessons, so people are
more spread out
(1) The smaller pool which is warmer usually does not have people in it. I never saw anyone in it.
I always wondered what it was built for. In the larger pool I've seen kids from school with their
boats and aquatics. It seems like they use that one a lot. There was always younger people using
it. If they build a new facility major events will go there, but they should keep the pool at Harry
Bailey. Any place where there is a place for children to do exercise should be made available. If a
pool is not being used it should be converted into something that children could use. We keep
talking about overweight children in this province and the university is the only option. It would be
nice to have more options that the university.
(1) There are many families that have limited incomes. Commuting to the new centre may be a
problem for these families. I think they need to keep the pool. If they were to get rid of anything,
they could get rid of the diving area and utilize that space somehow, making the pool more family
orientated. I think clientele won't drop if the Blairmore pool opens up. As long as they maintain
(1) We should make the space available to other uses making it productive. See what the usage
is before you make a change.
(1) We'd like better family change rooms.
(1) Will not use services for the time being, but have in the past
(1) Will they be leaving Mayfair pool?
(1) Would like to see some possible change
Track - 22 responses (Walking/Running Track and Fitness Centre)
(1) A walking track would be good for winter or an indoor playground area for kids/gymnasium.
(1) A walking track.
(1) I can't understand why they would think of getting rid of it. Keep it and use it as a multi
purpose unit such as a track around the pool.
(1) I just think it's good to keep the pool where it is. I don't know what they can put in there,
treadmills maybe.
Dry land - 24 responses (Fill in Pool for Dry land Purposes)
(1) A youth centre would be good.
(1) Arts and crafts center, painting, ceramics.
(1) Convert it into classroom space for Kelsey students.
(1) Daycare facility could be set up there as well.
(1) Everyone can't always go to the edge of town for everything, not everyone has the
transportation to get there, or the money. It would be practical for them to convert the pool.
(1) Fill in the 50 Metre pool into YMCA.
(1) How about using that space for a rehabilitation centre?
(1) I can't see too many people driving to Blairmore to go swimming. As long as we have
something else that takes the place of the Harry Bailey pool, then I guess it's okay. I know hockey
rinks are used a lot, that may be a good idea. We have enough soccer centres.
(1) I do like the dry-land idea.
(1) I feel that building can be used more universally if there was a dry land space.
(1) I think off season training for athletes would be good. Turning the space into dry land is a
good idea, but I do think they should keep the pool because its inside the city and accessible.
(1) I would like to see more indoor grass fields like at the soccer center.
(1) I'd like to see the whole Harry Bailey centre down for parking for Kelsey students and staff. I
live two blocks away from Kelsey and you can never park in front of your own home, and the
student’s garbage on our lawn and boulevards.
(1) I'm not too familiar with what they have now. Perhaps they could put in a roller blading track,
or offer fitness classes. How about something indoor for teens, like a skate park indoors.
(1) If the primary purpose of the 50 metre is for competitive reasons, we don't need it as long as
there is a second pool.
(1) If they could make squash courts and racquetball courts that would be a good idea.
(1) It would be nice to have a gymnastics area in the new space.
(1) Kelsey could use the Centre as a training space.
(1) My son uses it for the deep end and high boards. I don't think it would be a loss if they used it
for dry land as well.
(1) Other indoor sports things like indoor mini-golf. Or indoor batting space might be good.
(1) Put a wall there and have a total separate entity. I don't remember if they have a gym there.
They could put in a basketball court or something.
(1) They should make the pool to more accessible to parents who have small children. I think if
they were to convert the space, I think a fitness area would be good, perhaps a coffee shop for
lounging.
(1) Turn the area into a skateboard park.
(1) Would like to see more dry land space.
swimming lessons and public swimming, I don't see how the numbers will drop. Not everyone can
make it to Blairmore, for some it's too far out of the way.
(1) They have good swim meets
(1) They should be able to use the pool for competitions, and recreation for the public use.
(1) They should change the hours of use (5am opening for people who work early).
(1) To use it for physio therapy, or for senior aqua fitness classes.
(1) Will you use the centre for aqua size classes?
(1) With all of these water sports, maybe they should do that instead of having it as a diving
facility.
Leisure Centre - 13 responses (Convert to Leisure Centre (Waterslides/Recreation Facilities))
(1) A hot tub area.
(1) Add a waterslide because the fact that there isn't one is one of the reasons why we don't go
there that often. We have kids that would like a waterslide.
(1) Basically make it into a pool, instead of a specialized pool for competitions. They should turn it
into a leisure center. They could offer an indoor water park, that'd be nice.
(1) I am concerned that the pool should stay as is and where it is because it services a more core
part of town. It is great that we are getting the big competition size pool on the outskirts of town
but I do not want this changed to have services vacate our downtown/core area of Saskatoon. It
is a convenient location. As far as it goes for keeping my neighborhood viable, I would like to see
it continue because we need those facilities in this area. We don't have a school and we don't
have a spray park and we need to offer some services for this area.
(1) I know some people who use the pool a lot. I'd like more fitness classes offered there, so if
they took down the bleachers, they could do that too.
(1) I think a walking area would be good in the facility.
(1) I think a walking track would be a better idea, as long as there is some pool area.
(1) I think it is a useful thing to have in the area. It is handy for people to get to rather than go out
to the new facility. They could make a walking space beside.
(1) I think they could turn the bleacher space into a fitness center or a daycare.
(1) I think they could turn the bleachers into a larger gym than the one they have.
(1) I would like if they turned it into a track.
(1) I would think, let's say if there was some wellness equipment available, perhaps they could
put some more fitness stuff in. I would think we need to keep the pool going. I haven't heard
anything bad about it.
(1) If it is not going to be used for competition, remove the bleachers and make that existing area
as a track around the pool for walking.
(1) It should be made into a gym for children and adults.
(1) Promote it as a fitness centre. Good idea for the new pool for Olympic Events.
(1) Put a wall there and have a total separate entity. I don't remember if they have a gym there.
They could put in a basketball court or something.
(1) The smaller pool which is warmer usually does not have people in it. I never saw anyone in it.
I always wondered what it was built for. In the larger pool I've seen kids from school with their
boats and aquatics. It seems like they use that one a lot. There was always younger people using
it. If they build a new facility major events will go there, but they should keep the pool at Harry
Bailey. Any place where there is a place for children to do exercise should be made available. If a
pool is not being used it should be converted into something that children could use. We keep
talking about overweight children in this province and the university is the only option. It would be
nice to have more options that the university.
(1) There are a lot of seniors that live in this area so a walking space like the Field House would
be a good idea. Also light equipment we could use. When I go for walks downtown the streets are
too icy so we need a "walk in" place.
(1) There are quite a few options there. They don't even have a track there. Sometimes I use the
track at the Field House and we have to go a long way. It would be more convenient if there was
a track in my area. We've been in Mayfair for 12 years and it is growing. There are more families
and children in the area who could use the space.
(1) They could use a running track because there isn't one around this area. Nobody seems to
use the parks for that.
(1) They should convert it to a track. There would be more people using the facility if there were a
track and multi-purpose gymnasium. There are still uses for the 50 metre pool. This is a great
neighbourhood. I hate to lose any kinds of services and we do need a community centre. There is
no gym in the neighbourhood.
(1) We live so close to the pool, it's walking distance. I don't want it to shut down. I'd hate to see
the pool area filled in. I think they could make a bigger land fitness area because the one they
have is kind of small. They could offer more programs for the community around it. Blairmore is
quite a distance away. I can afford to do it, but some people don't.
Affordability - 10 responses (Offer Special Rates/ Free Swim Times)
(1) I am new to Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. I find that here there is not a time for seniors. The
pools are not too expensive for families, it is wonderful. Where I came from they had a designated
time for seniors to use the pool and it was cheaper. I can only afford to use the pool here because
my family helps me with it. They also had an option for those with medical problems who if
suggested by a doctor to swim, they could enter the pool for lower rates. Money is saved for
health care by patients using pools. Where I was from they had a special arrangement between
the health care system and the pools. The Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is good as it is. Its better
than the other facilities. They should leave it alone, it is a wonderful space. Saskatoon is growing
and there is room for two pools.
(1) I think that we need to keep those prices down.
(1) I think you should keep it open for schools or local clubs for a reasonable price.
(1) I wish they would lower the price of swimming and I know a lot of people would attend if the
prices were lower.
(1) I'd like to see the use of the Centre affordable to anyone. Affordability is the main issue in the
area.
(1) It needs to be more accessible, and lower the prices if they have kids.
(1) Make the space affordable for the use of low income families.
(1) More free public swims would be nice. I would like to see some more aerobics classes.
(1) Need more out reach to us Seniors to use the pool. Seniors free sessions. Programs for
Seniors
(1) They keep the costs for using these facilities down.
(1) I wish they would have a gentle aqua class during the day and that is why I go to Lawson
Civic Centre because they offer that. They should have those types of things at Harry Bailey for
people our age. That is why they don't have the attendance as they should. They stuck it to the
poor people in this area and made them feel they weren't worth anything. The people who were
running it were high and mighty and they were arrogant people. They didn't care about what the
kids wanted. The kids at Lawson Heights love the wave pool.
(1) Make it a larger pool, lane swim interests respondent but would like to more area for public
swimming
(1) Playground for kids, warmer, more in the leisure pool, like Lawson.
(1) Something for children, or supervised recreation.
(1) They should convert it to a track. There would be more people using the facility if there were a
track and multi-purpose gymnasium. There are still uses for the 50 metre pool. This is a great
neighbourhood. I hate to lose any kinds of services and we do need a community centre. There is
no gym in the neighbourhood.
(1) They should think about raising the concrete, for little kids, as a paddling pool, but for littler
kids.
(1) We need more recreational space for children.
(1) We use Lawson Civic Centre for family swim. It is more for the kids to learn swimming so we
don't need anything elaborate and the library is handy.
(1) Would like to see more recreation area.