Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

Paris residents flocked to a new pool and splash pad in town to cool down over the warm weekend.

“It is nice that Paris finally has a pool for the kids to come to,” Paris resident Lisa King said. “Now we don’t have to go all the way to Brantford. I plan on bringing my two kids here.”

More than 200 people attended a grand opening ceremony of the recently completed outdoor aquatic facility at Lions Park on Saturday morning.

Six-year-old Hailey King said she is looking forward to swimming in the new pool this summer.

“I’m excited that we have a new pool,” Hailey said.

The grand opening of the $2-million pool marks a new beginning for aquatic programs in the County of Brant. Paris has gone without a public pool since 2008, when the former facility at Lions Park was forced to close due to mechanical and structural problems.

Coun. Shirley Simons, chair of the Paris community pool building committee, said the new facility helps complete the recreational opportunities available to visitors at Lions Park.

“I hope there are a lot of kids that learn how to swim at this pool,” Simons said. “This is a win-win and we are very proud of it.”

Stacey Ellins, recreation co-ordinator with the County of Brant, said she was very disappointed when the former pool closed.

“I started as a lifeguard at the old pool,” Ellins said. “It was devastating that the pool closed. I love aquatics programs. Now that we have (a pool) back, it’s great. We hope the community is as excited about it as we are.”

County of Brant Mayor Ron Eddy said the new outdoor pool is an important addition to the quality of the community’s recreational programs.

“I’m the first to say it was too long in coming, but here it is,” Eddy said. “I firmly believe that every kid should have the opportunity to learn how to swim and now they can.

“This is a highlight in this council’s term. It is for everyone.”

Brant MP Phil McColeman said the community should be proud of the new facility.

“Enjoy this wonderful pool,” McColeman said. “It gives everyone in the community a chance to have this summer recreational opportunity.”

Brant MPP Dave Levac said he was happy to see so many people making use of the new pool on Saturday.

“I’m overjoyed by how many kids are in this pool at this moment,” Levac said. “The community spoke, the council acted and I commend you for that.”