THE City of Surrey celebrated the official opening of a new world-class aquatic facility at Guildford Recreation Centre on Saturday, May 30.

Providing training areas for swimming, water polo and other aquatic sports — as well as the capacity to host competitive swimming events — the 75,000-square-foot Guildford Aquatic Centre expansion features an eight-lane 50-metre FINA-certified Olympic-size main pool, and a leisure pool equipped with spray features, a lazy river and waterslide.

“Investing in our City’s recreational facilities is a vital component of our ability to build healthy communities and maintain a high quality of life for our citizens,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “We are committed to delivering outstanding recreation services that meet both the diverse range of activity levels and needs of our growing population.”

Offering therapeutic space, plus a family friendly hot tub, steam room, dry sauna and 300-seat spectator area, the $47.3 million upgrade also includes a 2,600-square-foot fitness centre expansion, redesigned lobby space, the addition of a two-level parkade, completion of a youth park and the installation of “Splash,” a new piece of public art by Michael Krondl.

“The calibre of recreational facilities throughout the City of Surrey plays an important role in our ability to attract valuable sport tourism opportunities—an area that continues to offer significant economic growth potential in the coming years,” said Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair, Parks, Recreation and Sport Tourism Committee. “We are thrilled to open this state-of-the-art facility in our growing community, and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike.”

Guildford Aquatic Centre is located within Guildford Recreation Centre at 15105 105 Avenue. For more information, visit www.surrey.ca/events.