Trent University Has Grand Reopening of Allan Marshall Pool After Significant Construction

/

After being renovated for several months for construction, the Allan Marshall Pool at Trent University celebrated its grand reopening and can welcome back swimmers, announced at the campus on Wednesday afternoon.

Amanda Devlin of the Peterborough Swim Club is one of three to take the first dip in Trent University grand reopening of the Allen Marshall pool that closed in late 2022 for reconstruction. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Construction resulted in a new ramp for increased accessibility, header walls with blocks for competitive swimming and several structural and mechanical upgrades. The hand-painted mural, originally commissioned by local artist Richard Hayman, has remained on the wall since 1999.

“Allowing community members and students of all abilities to enjoy our facilities is so important for the University,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice-president of finance and administration. “The reconstruction and enhancements ensure that visitors to the Trent Athletics Centre will be able to enjoy our pool for years to come.”

The pool’s construction began in April and underwent five phases:

Demolition

  • Phase 1: Demolition

  • Phase 2: Inground Plumbing

  • Phase 3: Backfilling

  • Phase 4: Above-ground plumbing

  • Phase 5: Tiling/Finishes

The project was aimed for completion in the fall of last year, with the finishing touches completed in late November. Following a series of final inspections, community programming was set for early January.

“There were no issues that we came across, with many large construction projects, some things can take a little bit longer with supply chain issues but everything really ran on track and was completed in late fall but programming starting in the new year,” said Leslie Spooner, Trent assistant director of customer engagement and operations.

A return to full community programming in the pool is underway. The Trent Swim Club, Kawartha Artistic Swimming, Special Olympics and Trent students have already scheduled events for pool use. Community swimming lessons are scheduled to resume in May.

The Allan Marshall Pool is named in honour of Flight Lieutenant Stuart Allan Marshall, who was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He is remembered for his commitment to the sport of swimming, his involvement in the Peterborough community and his support in establishing Trent University—as originally proposed by the community in 1978.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.