Pool & Spa Marketing April 2009
Innisfil Multi-Use Recreational Facility- Building State of the Art Pools with Myrtha Technology
Published April 1, 2009
By Keith Richardson
Pool & Spa Marketing Magazine
The town of Innisfil recently completed a sophisticated, high-tech multi-use facility on the Western shore of Lake Simcoe. The 128,000 sf, $28-million structure, which is being operated by the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, Features two National Hockey League-sized arenas. Also included are a sub-dividable gymnasium, childcare area, multi-purpose rooms and a fitness room overlooking the pool and gym. The project manager was MHPM Project Managers Inc., and the architect was MacLennan, Jaunkalns, Miller Architects.
The most outstanding feature of this facility is the class 'A' pool area, which includes a six-lane, 25-m (82 ft) lap pool. The pool includes a wheelchair access ramp, a shallow end for lessons and aquatic fitness programs and a deep end for swimming and training.
The leisure pool, which was designed for parent and child water play ativities, seniors fitness programs and youth lessons, features a wide stair and beach entry, a conversation bench with hydromassage jets and water spray toys.
The aquatic area also features a ceiling with natural wood accents, giving it a warm feeling, while north-facing windows provide plenty of natural light with minimal surface glare. The upstairs exercise area also has windows overlooking the pool area, allowing the various building elements to appear connected to each other.
DURABLE DESIGN
Both pool tanks were constructed with Myrtha Pools Technology, which uses a modular stainless steel panel coated with a hard PVC sheet to fabricate the pool walls and other components. The floor is finished with a reinforced membrane laid over a soft-cushion pad for safety and comfort.
"The project had some schedule challenges," said Walter Schmoll, president of Hollandia Pools & Spas, which built the pools. "But when it came time for the pool installation, we actually made up some time on the overall schedule."
Architect John MacLennan was also pleased with the outcome. "The pool has become very popular with all age groups," he says. "The warm water temperature of 27C (82 F) is very attractive to small children who get cold in cooler water, and to seniors and those with physical challenges who find the warmth soothing. After a workout, a lot of patrons also like to relax with friends in the leisure pool."
UNIVERSAL APPEAL
According to David Grass, CEO of the Simco-Muskoka YMCA, Myrtha-designed pools are very popular in YMCA facilities. "Our pools are used for a range of programming to suit the entire community, so they are always busy. That is why we went with this type of design," explains Grass. "They are easy to care for, require little or no downtime and are low in maintenance, thanks to pool chemical systems that maintain the highest quality water. This technology allows staff to keep the pools in top condition with as little effort as possible.
"The Innisfil facility is such a success, it makes the town and the YMCA proud to offer such a well recieved community centre. Already several other towns and YMCA's have visited to see how well it works.
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