The Town of Essex unveiled its two new accessible pool lifts in an opening event at the Essex Recreation Complex Tuesday.
The installation was made possible through the Ontario government's Enhancing Access to Space for Everyone (EASE) and aims to create more inclusive and accessible spaces at the complex.
"It's important to have safe access to a pool, new modern technology, and to be a welcoming place," said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy. "We want families, if they have somebody in their family that has a mobility issue, we want everybody to feel welcome here."
Bondy emphasized the importance of the grant, explaining that "it was a pretty expensive endeavour -almost $30,000," therefore, applying for grants and getting support from the province can ease the burden.
Christine Ruperd, a Harrow resident, attended the event with her son, Aaron, who has spacicity cerebral palsy.
"I think it's fabulous," Ruperd said. "We're seasonal campers out at Leisure Lake because they have an accessible pool now, but in the winter, this would be a good place for him to come keep him relaxed."
The pool's original lift was removed 15 years ago due to code violations. Residents have been requesting its replacement.
"We're reviewing hurdles and identifying accessible hurdles in our community," said Bondy. "I think it shows that the province and the municipality are working together to promote accessible recreation."
The two new pool lifts can be found at both the hot tub and the main lap pool in the Essex Recreation Complex.
**this story was written by Lexi Saldana. Lexi is a student in the Fanshawe College journalism program, and is currently doing an internship with WindsorNewsToday.ca
