Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre


The Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre is a multi-phase recreation complex located in the town of Swan River, Manitoba.

Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatics Centre

The SVCU Aquatic Centre in the Richardson Recreation & Wellness Centre opened on May 12, 2014. It is located on the corner of 1 St Street North and Highway #10 North. The Centre is open Mon. to Fri. 6am to 9pm, Sat. 7am to 5pm and Sun. 12pm to 5pm. It offers year round swim lessons for all ages including adults. They also have lap swim, private rentals, Super Splash birthday parties, theme swims, Aquasize and lots more. The Centre boasts a Lap pool, a zero entry leisure pool, a sauna, a hot swirl pool, a lazy river, a spray arch, a tee cup, water basketball, a water slide and a toddler pool.

Future Phases

Provisions have been made for future phases to be added onto the centre. Phase two is expected to include a fieldhouse and 200m indoor walking track, as well as additional changerooms and a multipurpose room. Phase three may include community health services.

Controversy

In the early 2000s the condition of the Swan River Kinsmen Pool began to deteriorate, and the Town of Swan River was faced with the decision of either making extensive renovations to the existing facility, or else building a brand-new pool. In order to build the new facility, the town relied heavily on provincial and federal government subsidies as well as private donations. There remain some who doubt whether the town of approximately 4000 can afford to run such a facility. The strongest opposition has come from the area's rural municipalities. Further, the cost of the project has ballooned from an estimated $9 million to $11.8 million. Still, the project continues to receive donations from many individuals and businesses.