After a long and costly journey, the Aquarena is set to make a splash once again! The wait is almost over for swimmers and sports enthusiasts in St. John's.
Following a two-year closure and a $25 million renovation, the Aquarena is preparing to reopen its doors to the public. But here's where it gets controversial: while swim clubs have already dived into the newly renovated pool, not all facilities are ready for public use just yet.
"It's an incredible feeling to be back in this expansive space," said Nathan Wilson, a member of the St. John's Legends club. "We've been eagerly awaiting this moment, and it's a big win for the entire community to have the Aquarena back in action."
The Aquarena's closure in 2023 left a void for swimmers and sports teams in the area. Originally built for the Canada Games in 1977, the facility underwent renovations ahead of the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's. The pool briefly reopened for the Games but then closed again to complete the renovations.
And now, after more than two years, the Aquarena is finally ready to welcome the public back. But there's a twist: while swimming clubs have already taken advantage of the renovated pool, other amenities like lane swims, lessons, and family change rooms will only become available to the public next week.
"It's an exciting development," said Craig Neil, general manager of The Works. "Seeing the athletes back in the pool this morning was a heartwarming sight. It's exactly what we envisioned, and we're thrilled to bring this beloved facility back to life."
Among the many upgrades, the Aquarena now boasts a new one-metre diving tower, a state-of-the-art timing system, and fully accessible family change rooms. However, some features, such as saunas and hot tubs, are still a couple of months away from being operational. The Tim Horton's inside The Works will also reopen at a later date.
"The Aquarena and fitness centre have a special place in the hearts of many in the community," Neil added. "I'm confident we'll see a strong return of patrons once all the facilities are up and running."
And this is the part most people miss: the Aquarena will also feature a brand new waterslide, albeit a smaller version of the previous one. It's a fun addition that's sure to bring a smile to the faces of swimmers and visitors alike.
So, are you excited for the Aquarena's grand reopening? What are your thoughts on the renovations and the phased reopening strategy? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a conversation and celebrate the return of this iconic facility.
