The renovation project has included demolition of the existing buildings, construction of a new bathhouse and an operations/management building, which now provides shower and toilet facilities, changing spaces, pool offices, a first aid room, and storage space.
The pool is multi-functional, which offers several racing lanes, a kiddy-pool area, and spray park features. There is also a zero-depth, or ‘beach’ entry, as well as a lateral transfer entry and an ADA accessibility chair lift. The pool area also offers viewing areas of the river in a quieter mini-park area adjacent to pool deck. The facility features a zero-net-energy pool, bathhouse and equipment building. Another feature of this new technology is the pool’s filter system, an infrared technology that utilises less chlorine by removing additional contaminants, providing safer swimming.
The new pool is a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility adhering to the modern aquatic design, universal access and public safety standards. It utilises solar photovoltaic energy for electricity and solar thermal energy for hot water and some building heat. The solar thermal units will also provide heat during off-seasons as a so-called waste product. With no other heating system required to maintain building temperature, this system will also heat family bathrooms for public use.
The renovation of the Connors pool, which originally closed in 2001, is part of a $37 million initiative to upgrade state pool facilities across the commonwealth, replacing aging swimming pools with new facilities featuring enhanced standards for safety.
Renovation work also included the rehabilitation of the existing adjacent skating rink, with the installation of fencing and basketball nets for use during the warmer seasons. A pathway next to to the rink has been re-established with steps and boulders for residents to view the river.
