$500,000 Sponsorship Supports City’s Largest Recreation Project and Community Wellness Goals
The City of Cambridge has officially named the aquatic centre at its new Cambridge Recreation Complex as The Bernie Gall Memorial Pool following a $500,000 sponsorship contribution from Acapulco Pools.
The announcement was made during a Cambridge City Council meeting on May 26 and marks a major milestone in the city’s largest recreation infrastructure project to date. The naming recognizes the legacy of former Acapulco Pools CEO Bernie Gall and his long-standing contributions to the aquatics industry and the local community.
“This incredible contribution reflects the strength of community partnerships in Cambridge,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We are grateful for this investment in a space that will bring people together, help kids learn to swim and keep our community active.”
The Cambridge Recreation Complex, currently under development at the south end of the city, is expected to serve as a major community hub focused on recreation, health and wellness. The facility will feature a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool alongside a warm water leisure pool designed to support a wide range of community programming and aquatic activities.
Sponsorship Honours Longtime Community Builder
The naming of the aquatic centre highlights the impact of Bernie Gall, whose leadership at Acapulco Pools helped shape the company’s reputation across Ontario over several decades.
Acapulco Pools has operated in the region for more than 50 years, building residential and commercial aquatic facilities while maintaining a strong presence in Cambridge and surrounding communities.
“My father, Bernie Gall, had an unwavering commitment to quality and a lifelong passion for aquatics. He approached every build with care and took pride in creating spaces that brought people together. This project is especially meaningful because Cambridge is a community our business has proudly served for more than 50 years, and this project is one he was especially excited to help bring to life. To have the Aquatic Centre named in his honour reflects the pride he took in his work and the legacy he leaves behind,” said Francine Gall, President of Acapulco Pools.
The contribution is part of the city’s broader Play It Forward fundraising initiative, which encourages businesses, organizations and residents to support major recreation and community infrastructure projects through sponsorships and donations.
Play It Forward Campaign Targets Key Community Projects
Cambridge’s Play It Forward campaign focuses on four major capital projects aimed at improving recreation and accessibility across the city.
In addition to the Cambridge Recreation Complex, the campaign supports the revitalization and expansion of the Preston Memorial Auditorium, development of a fully accessible KIN 1 ball diamond and construction of a new soccer complex.
City officials say the initiative provides businesses with opportunities to support long-term community development while also increasing corporate visibility and engagement within the region.
Acapulco Pools’ sponsorship represents one of the more significant private-sector contributions connected to the campaign and demonstrates growing collaboration between the municipality and local businesses in funding public infrastructure.
Recreation Complex Supports Long-Term Growth Strategy
Municipal leaders say the new recreation complex is a critical component of Cambridge’s long-term growth and active living strategy as the city continues to expand.
“The Cambridge Recreation Complex is a key part of the City’s long-term vision to support active living and meet the needs of our growing community,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “Partnerships like these play an important role in funding high-quality facilities for residents.”
The project is expected to address increasing demand for recreational programming, aquatic services and accessible public spaces as Cambridge’s population grows.
Community recreation infrastructure has become an increasingly important focus for municipalities across Ontario as cities compete to attract families, businesses and investment while also promoting healthier lifestyles and community engagement.
Economic and Social Benefits Expected
Beyond recreation, city officials believe the complex will generate broader social and economic benefits by creating spaces for community interaction, youth programming and wellness activities.
The aquatic centre is expected to host swimming lessons, fitness programs and community events while also supporting local sports organizations and recreational users.
The naming announcement also underscores the role that public-private partnerships continue to play in financing large municipal projects amid rising construction and infrastructure costs.
With construction progressing on the Cambridge Recreation Complex, city leaders say the project represents a long-term investment in both quality of life and community development for residents across Cambridge.