By Miriana Dundek
In the third lane of the semi-Olympic sized pool, a lifeguard helps an elderly gentleman adjust his life-preserver.
In lanes four to six, the other seniors steadily crawl their way through continuous laps.
Meanwhile, back in lanes one and two, a group of adults raise their arms in a V.
Part of their Aquafit lesson, the dozen of them may not be aware of this symbol for victory.
Still, there’s no mistaking that after only six months since its official opening, the scene at the Plant Recreation Centre is a sure sign of success.
“We reflect the community. We’re a central spot where people can meet, they can workout, and they can learn how to swim,” says Colleen Koza, facility manager at the centre.
Located at the corner of Somerset West and Preston, the spot has long been a cherished heritage landmark in Centretown.
Once known as Plant Bath, the building has attracted community members from its early days in 1924 when swimmers would visit the original three-lane pool.
After years of use, structural deterioration made the facility unsafe and its doors closed in 1995.
“Officials deemed it a condemned site. They had no choice but to shut it down,” explains Koza.
Identified as a top priority for redevelopment, the City of Ottawa approved the capital funds needed to create the new facility in 2002 and began its construction in March 2003.
Now, the old Plant Bath has been transformed into an $8.2-million modern facility, renamed the Plant Recreation Centre.
Currently, the Plant’s features include a family leisure pool, steam room, whirlpool, meeting rooms, outdoor soccer fields, skating rink, basketball courts, and children’s playground.
The centre also offers a variety of swim times, lessons, qualified personnel, and wellness programs like yoga, Pilates and group aerobics.
“It’s making a positive difference. It’s brought the people element back to the community and it re-enlivens the area,” says Lori Mellor, executive director of the Preston Street Business Improvement Association, which supported the reconstruction.
Since doors opened in June, the facility has attracted about 350-400 people per day.
“People are just starting to realize what it has to offer, but the buzz is growing. As it grows the Plant will play more of a central role in community life,” says Mellor.
The expanded pool is not the only thing drawing people in.
“There’s a whole fitness aspect to the spot that hasn’t been here before,” says Koza.
Lisa Alsip, 26, who recently moved to Ottawa, uses the cardio and weight rooms. She discovered the facility after some time spent going to exercise at the YMCA.
“It’s easily at par with the Y. They definitely maintain a standard here and patrons can appreciate that. It’s clean, friendly, calm, and not very noisy compared to most gyms,” she says.
Alsip has become a regular at the Plant.
“It’s a global community. You can meet people in your neighbourhood,” she says.
“ It’s welcoming, friendly and full of people of all ages, shapes and sizes.”
Despite its optimistic start and an encouraging response from users, Koza recognizes the centre is still developing.
“It’s just getting going, everything is still very new right now,” says Koza, who thinks the present challenge is responding to the needs of the community.
“As the users change and the demographics change, we have to meet those needs.”
At about noon, Giau-Kim Huynh emerges from one of the dressing rooms. Huynh, who comes for seniors swim each day, looks as good as she says she feels. Although she admits the water was cold, “it was refreshing.”
Huynh began visiting the centre after her doctor said she had high blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels.
She says she thinks the daily hour of exercise will benefit her health.
“Besides, it helps me sleep better at night.”
Members are realizing the advantages of having the centre in their area, says Mellor.
“People can come and have fun, feel like their part of it,” says Koza.
“It’s a happy place, a family place. Just coming here, you feel like you’re part of something bigger, that you’re part of your community. It’s part of what makes this place click.”