Leo Lafleur Admission Costs
Now that that snowbanks have receded, we’ve been able to get clear view of the transformation of the Leo Lafleur water park next to the aging Memorial Centre. As you can see from the photo above, construction of the winding water slide is nearly complete, and it gives a great indication of the scale and potential of the massive project. Back in September of 2009, we discussed the tentative plan for the revamped aquatic centre, which in addition to a two-storey water slide, will incorporate a 25 metre pool, lazy river, tot pool and renovated change rooms. With the new Leo Lafleur aquatic centre slated to open on June 24th, the City of Kingston has released membership and admission information, while prices range from $8.50 for adults to $6.50 for seniors and $5.00 for children. Accordingly, this week’s poll asks:
[poll id=”52″]
If you compare the daily cost of admission to Leo Lafleur ($8.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5 for children) with the drop-in charge at Artillery Park ($4.20 for adults, $3.36 for seniors, $2.40 for children), our new outdoor aquatic centre seems a bit pricey. Having said that, I can honestly say that I would rather shell out nearly $10 to go down a water slide, and swim outdoors, rather than taking my chances and dive into the disgusting slurry at the popular student watering hole next to the King Street Water Treatment Plant. Further, as a former life guard who’s worked at a few outdoor pools, I appreciate the fact that safety will be properly observed to at Leo Lafleur, and it will also result in seasonal jobs.
In any case, I sincerely hope that admission costs will not be a deterrent, and that our new facility will be well used. Having said that, those with less disposable incomes will likely be unable to enjoy Leo Lafleur as much as they’d had hoped. What do you think? Will our revamped water park make a big splash, or is it destined to sink?
I said I have no intention of going simply because I see it as a family destination and as someone who doesn't have kids, a pool full of them is not my idea of a fun, relaxing day. However, if I did decide to go, the price would make me think twice. There are a lot of other things I could do for that price that won't result in me standing in line for a 30 second trip down a water slide or having to set up my towel next to a screaming baby. I'd rather go to the movies or make the trip to Wolfe Island or Picton to enjoy a beach.
For a family of four, that's $27 – pretty pricey for the area. I guess it's cheaper than seeing a movie, but going to a regular park is free.
I'm not a big fan of the price increase for the new pool. I know the city wants to reclaim its investment, but when I lived in the area the pool seemed to be used by lower-income families and youth. For only a couple dollars you could escape the heat and relax in the pool. I'm worried that the new prices will be too high for many of the residents in the area and that they will be forced to find new recreation options outside of the neighbourhood.
I love that the city is rehabilitating the long ignored Memorial Centre grounds, but the existing users of the site shouldn't be forced out to cater to a new crowd.
Perhaps the city should look at a discount option like I have seen in many places. If you live in the area you can get admission for a lower price. A program like that would allow lower-income residents the chance to enjoy the facilities they might not otherwise be able to afford.
I am looking forward to bringing my kids to the new water park. The admission price is a little steep, but not outrageous. Definitely cheaper than having to travel to a water park out of town. I have talked to a few other parents, including those in low income situations, and they, being smart. have started planning ahead by putting money aside every week to put towards visiting the new water park.
I live in the Kingscourt area, and we purchased in a family pass to the Leo Lafleur pool two years ago. It cost about $230 (I can't find any prices from 2009 online: has the city gone through and expunged all trace of affordable pool pricing?) but we made swimming a priority activity and we went every day that summer, sometimes twice.
As per Andy W.'s comment, the pool is used daily by children and adults who live in North Kingston, and that is the area that must continue to be served by this new recreation facility. Would the city really renovate the Wally Elmer arena and then charge more than twice as much to use it? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of investing in our neighbourhoods?
Now that the cost of a family pass has gotten a lot closer to a mortgage payment for a house in this area, I'm afraid my family will not be swimming daily. We will likely go weekly now, or less. If increased physical activity was one of the goals, it's not going to happen.
I would like to see this debate opened again, as I realize this is two months old now. I worry that the "It's perfect" votes came from residents who don't live in the immediate Leo Lafleur area or in North Kingston.
Thanks for your comments Andrea. All of our polls run for one week, which helps us keep things fresh. That's not to say that we won't revisit popular poll questions again in the future. Further, comments for all of our posts remain open indefinitely so to allow ongoing discussion.
I'm confused. It says a different price for a family $4 each. We have 2 adults and 1 child. Will we be paying $12 or $22? It will be nice to know before we go. I hate to pay $8.50 to sit on the edge of the pool as I won't be swimming.