Town developing recreation master plan

Swim group wants pool in Harrow

By Andy Comber - February 3, 2010

Some residents are hoping for a bigger splash out of the Town of Essex, calling for construction of an outdoor competitive swimming facility in Harrow.

"We want a pool!" exclaimed Kathy Nicholson, president of the Harrow Electric Eels Aquatic Team.

Nicholson was among a steady stream of people who filed through the community room at Harrow Arena, Jan. 26. It was the first of a series of open houses being held by the town to gain public input on a parks and recreation master plan.

Surveys were made available at the meeting. For Nicholson and other members of HEEAT, it was another opportunity to urge support for a 25-metre, 6-lane competition-size pool.

"We've been to council a number of times, now we're hoping to get the community's support," said Nicholson.

In the summer, HEEAT competes in outdoor pool facilities across the province, but has no home-based facilities, she said.

"It means a lot of driving."

Harry Hakim, the town's director of parks and recreation, stressed the importance of getting public input for the master plan. This open house covered Harrow and Colchester South, with two more scheduled to gain input on the rest of the municipality.

"The town is seeking guidance in regards to locations of parks and splash pads, the type of recreation programs to offer, and future development," Hakim said. "We encourage everyone to provide their input. It will be used to develop our parks and rec master plan."

Displays were set up showing plans for splash pads, playgrounds, and the Harrow soccer park complex.

The surveys tally information from residents on their households, recreation activities, town facilities and programming as related to parks and recreation. They are available from the town hall or one of the town's sports and recreation complexes.

The next public open houses are Feb. 23 for McGregor and Colchester North, at the Lucier Estates Community Centre, 6 to 9 p.m., and March 9 for Essex Centre, at the Essex Community Centre, Superior Room, 6 to 9 p.m.