$18.8 million Rotary Park and pool project to begin Monday in Oshawa

It’s going on five years since Oshawa residents have been able to enjoy a swim at Rotary Pool as pandemic delays and cost over-runs on the planned new outdoor facility have combined to prevent contractors from getting their feet wet on the project.

The wait is over, as construction crews are mobilizing to begin construction on the Rotary Park and pool redevelopment project, with construction set to begin Monday.

City Council selected the redevelopment as Oshawa’s centennial year Legacy Project and awarded the contract in January, with Maystar General Contractors getting the nod to create the signature project at Gibb and Centre Street, just south of downtown.

Half of the $18.8 million cost of the project will be paid for this year, with the second phase to be funded in the 2025 budget.

Conceived in the 1920s, the park and pool have been enjoyed by families and visitors for decades, which is how long it has seemed to local residents since the pool was closed following the 2019 season due to structural deterioration.

Two years later the public was asked if they wanted a pool or a skating rink in its place and the overwhelming answer (80 per cent) from the nearly 1,000 responses was to have their beloved pool back, despite City staff’s preference for an outdoor rink instead.

The cost at the time for a new leisure pool, major splash pad and playground amenities was about $8 million.

A lot happened in the ensuing years, with post-pandemic supply chain issues and general inflation driving up the price of all infrastructure projects, with taxpayers now asked to pay more than double the original estimate.

The Rotary Park Redevelopment project will include:

• a new outdoor pool with four lanes, a zero-entry pool area and toddler pool area
• a destination playground
• a splash pad
• a parking lot
• pathways
• site amenities

Located in the southern area of Oshawa’s downtown at Centre and Gibb Streets, the park provides a connection to the Joseph Kolodzie Trail and Brick By Brick Park, and close access to City Hall and downtown destinations and businesses.

The new park and outdoor pool are scheduled to open to the public in July 2025.