Winter blues remedy

by Rick Dawes

The cold weather didn’t stop a thousand people from donning their swimsuits to try out Windsor’s new aquatic centre.

The doors of Adventure Bay Family Water Park opened Jan. 18 for the first time since construction began on the Windsor Family Aquatic Complex in May 2011.

As a part of the eighty million dollar facility, Adventure Bay has a number of interactive water attractions like a splash pad, water slides and a surfing machine called Flow Rider. Acting manager Scott Bisson said there are experiences at the park for everyone in the family.

“One of the great things I think for Windsor is this is a great attraction for teens as well and I know a lot of people have been saying, ‘we need something to do in Windsor,’ and Adventure Bay is what to do in Windsor,” said Bisson.

People living within the city can receive $5 off admission with proof of residency. Over three hundred annual memberships were purchased by Windsor residents just in the first weekend.

“The facility is split into two sides,” said Bisson. “We have the Adventure Bay and we also have this Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. The WITC is for swimming, competitive swim club practices, hosting major competitions and our adult length swimmers.”

Tricia Stewart lives in east Windsor and brought her three sons to check the park out. Her boys are competitive swimmers and will be using the facilities often. Stewart said the 15 to 20 minute drive from her home is a convenience for them but others may have trouble getting there.

“It’s hard to say,” said Stewart. “For some families it’s going to be more of a struggle, especially if there’s transportation issues. For us, we’re on the road travelling for whatever pool we can get pool time at anyway so it’s a little different of a situation.”

Across the road is the Windsor International Transit Terminal where buses runs daily.

“It allows people to use their bus pass to come down and not worry about parking around the facility,” said Bisson. “Also with being within the cultural hub, the art gallery and our Windsor community museum, there’s lots for families to do. I think counsel and the mayor really thought about the location and thought this would be a great anchor.”

Stewart said she never really had a reason to come downtown with her kids before.

“Now there’s a few restaurants they want to try after here, we’re going to head to some place to eat,” she said. “I think it’ll bring a little more freshness and newness to the downtown area.”

A grand opening for the park is being planned.