MV Whitewater, a fixture ever since NAC first opened, is being removed due its deteriorating condition. (Mike Bryson)

By Ian Holmes

end of an era

Popular Nanaimo Aquatic Centre play boat to be removed

Aug 21, 2023 | 5:41 AM

NANAIMO — In place ever since the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (NAC) opened in 2001, a beloved structure entertaining countless children has carried its last passenger.

The 30-foot high MV Whitewater is being dismantled during the pool and weight room’s annual maintenance shutdown between Monday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 17.

Mike Bryson, the City’s manager of recreation facilities, said the waterlogged NAC play boat has required an increasing number of repairs in recent years.

“It’s immersed in water, has water splashing over it all the time and over time its just worn out to the point where it needs to be replaced,” Bryson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

In addition to the boat’s removal, the adjoining slide, climbing net and ground-level tunnel feature are also being torn down, Bryson confirmed.

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While engineers have closely monitored the boat structure in recent years and provided guidance to lengthen its life, Bryson said it’s no longer feasible to carry on with band-aid solutions.

In its place for a year will be a soft rock feature, while a public consultation process will take place to help determine a suitable more permanent replacement, Bryson noted.

He said some kind of accessible ground-level splash feature will likely be installed.

“The boat, as wonderful as it has been and a great part of that facility, was very limiting to some folks with mobility issues, we’re going to address that when we do some kind of replacement.”

As for the rest of the facility, Bryson said their crews and contractors have a detailed pre-planned work schedule, including addressing pumps, motors, valves, as well as numerous filtration assignments and mechanical needs.

According to Bryson, a key reason why the 22-year-old NAC is in such great shape is the rigorous annual maintenance work that’s done.

“If we don’t do planned maintenance on these facilities the chances of having unplanned maintenance in the middle of winter when we’re busy are more likely and we just want to mitigate that risk as much as possible.”

A recently completed maintenance closure at Beban Park Pool featured a completely refurbished steam room, which Bryson said has been well received by users.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes