Aquatic admissions surge past former pool’s peak levels
PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Just over a year after opening its doors, the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre is showing strong signs of success, with participation numbers already surpassing those of the city’s former aquatic facility and positioning the centre to potentially exceed its annual targets in 2026.
The City of Prince Albert reported that more than 41,000 admissions were recorded at the aquatic centre during the first six months of 2026 through general aquatic programming. The figure includes activities such as public swim sessions, lane swimming, aquafit classes, rentals, and related programming, but excludes swimming lessons.
The performance marks a substantial increase compared with the former Frank Dunn Pool, which recorded 19,352 admissions during its strongest operating year in 2022.
The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre officially began a gradual opening in March 2025. City officials say the facility’s early momentum reflects strong community demand for expanded recreation services and modern amenities.
Expanded lesson capacity addresses long-standing demand
The new facility has also significantly increased access to swimming lessons, an area that had previously faced capacity challenges in Prince Albert.
According to the city, approximately 1,467 lesson spaces have been offered so far, nearly doubling the roughly 750 annual spaces previously available in earlier years. Officials say the expansion is helping meet demand from families seeking swimming instruction for children and youth.
“The growth in swimming lesson capacity is supported by increased staffing, an updated programming structure, and strong demand for lessons at the new facility,” said Riley Janes, Acting Aquatics Manager. “We’re seeing strong participation across all age groups, and it’s rewarding to provide more opportunities for kids to develop these important life skills.”
The increase in programming capacity is being supported by additional staffing resources and updated scheduling structures designed to accommodate a broader range of users.
City officials noted that swimming instruction remains one of the most sought-after recreation services in the community, particularly among young families.
Facility on pace to meet annual admission targets
Based on current trends, the aquatic side of the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre remains on track to meet its projected annual target of 70,000 admissions in 2026.
Municipal officials say the milestone would underscore the centre’s growing role as a key recreational hub for Prince Albert and surrounding communities.
In addition to serving local residents, the facility is also contributing to tourism and visitor activity tied to sporting tournaments and community events hosted in the city.
“The facility is also seeing positive spillover from on-site tournaments and events, as visiting families use the aquatic amenities while attending sporting and community events in Prince Albert,” said Jody Boulet, Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation. “This is very encouraging and shows how the Centre enhances the visitor experience while supporting recreation opportunities for residents.”
Officials say the broader economic and community impacts generated by the facility could continue to grow as awareness and programming expand.
Modern recreation complex designed for community use
The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre was developed as a multi-purpose recreation destination aimed at serving residents, athletes, and visitors year-round.
The complex features an aquatic centre equipped with an eight-lane competition pool, a leisure pool, splash and wave pool, lazy river, hot tub, and two water slides. The facility also includes two NHL-sized arenas and multiple community gathering spaces designed to host events and recreational programming.
City leaders have positioned the centre as a long-term investment in recreation infrastructure intended to improve quality of life, support community wellness, and strengthen Prince Albert’s ability to host regional sporting events and tournaments.
With admissions and programming participation already showing strong growth during its first full year of operation, the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre appears poised to become one of the city’s most heavily used public recreation assets.