After a few weather delays, the updated swimming pool in Morris is now open.
"The heavy rains in the spring were certainly not helpful in making this dream become a reality," said Mayor Scott Crick. "The reality is here, and the pool opened a few weeks ago."
"We now have a beautiful facility that is going to serve every member of the community for the next generation," he added, noting this wasn't a project that happened overnight.
$600,000 in work was done on the pool, including the addition of a zero-entry feature, improving accessibility.
"I think that removing barriers to public recreational facilities is important," said Crick. "I know this was identified in my previous stint on Council back in the early 2010s and there was always the question of, how can we make the pool more accessible (and) put zero-entry in it, not just for people with small children but for people who have mobility challenges so that they can enjoy this great facility?"
Crick added, the entire was a real labour of love.
"A huge amount of work went into this by our former Facilities Manager, Melissa Marion-Lamotte. This was seen through by our current Facilities Director, Arien Peterson. Again, I know it was a bit challenging with the conditions this year, but everything is over the finish line.
"Projects in the municipal world sometimes take a bit of time to come together. This one finally did and again, it's a great benefit to the community."
With files from Chris Sumner