The Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA) manages eight outdoor swimming pools on behalf of the City of Calgary for use by Calgarians during the summer. The eight pools are Bowview, Forest Lawn, Highwood, Millican Ogden, Mount Pleasant, Silver Springs, South Calgary and Stanley Park.
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History of COSPA
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​1960-1983
Calgary Parks & Recreation operates 10 outdoor pools: Bridgeland, Bowview, Forest Lawn, Highwood, Millican Ogden, Mount Pleasant, Riley Park, Silver Springs, South Calgary, Stanley Park.
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1980s:
1984: Silver Springs Community is the first Community Association to take on the operations of an outdoor pool (Silver Springs).
1986: Highwood and Mount Pleasant Community Associations take on operation of Highwood and Mount Pleasant outdoor pools
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1990s:
1994: Parks & Recreation Aquatics undertakes a pilot project to use a private operator to run Bowview, Forest Lawn and Riley Park outdoor pools
1995: Hillhurst Sunnyside and South Calgary Community Associations take on the operation of Bowview and South Calgary outdoor pools.
1996: Bridgeland and Millican Ogden Community Associations and Lindsay Park Sports Society take on the operation of Bridgeland, South Calgary and Stanley Park Outdoor Pools.
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2000s:
2002-2004: Following a recommendation to City Council to close four outdoor pools, community members and community associations advocate for continued operation. City Council committee recommends a two-year moratorium on closing any outdoor pools.
2004: Province of Alberta approves Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association Bylaws and the organization starts formal operation.
2005: City of Calgary council approves recommendations for funding sustainability for outdoor swimming pools. 15-year agreement signed by The City of Calgary and Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA). Later that year, COSPA signs Operating Agreements with seven pool operators, assuming management and operation of outdoor pools.
2009: Stanley Park Outdoor Pool returned to COSPA management and operation
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2010s:
2017: Construction starts on Silver Springs Outdoor Pool new basin, accessible pool entry ramp and diving board and platform, driven by overwhelming community support, feedback and fundraising.
Millican Ogden Outdoor Pool returned to COSPA management and operation
2018: Highwood Outdoor Pool closes for renovations to repair the pool basin and replace pool operations equipment.
2019: Silver Springs Outdoor Pool joins COSPA.
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2020s:
2020: South Calgary Outdoor Pool closes for renovations and returns to COSPA management and operation. Renovations bring the basin up to modern standards, extend the lifespan of the pool, and enhance customer experiences and accessibility.
COSPA launches online ticket booking and swimming lesson registration to manage COVID-19 pandemic capacity limits. Only two outdoor pools – Highwood Outdoor Pool and Silver Springs Outdoor Pool – open for the 2020 season due to the pandemic.
Highwood Outdoor Pool renovations complete and pool reopens
2021: Seven Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools re-open for operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit with limited capacity and numerous COVID-19 safety measures in place.
2022: South Calgary Outdoor Pool reopens following two-year renovations. All eight pools re-open for a busy summer of swimming lessons, public swims, pool rentals, and lane swimming.
2023: COSPA oversees the safe operation and maintenance of eight Calgary outdoor swimming pools.
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Board of Directors
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Chairperson: Käthe Lemon
Vice Chair: Joel Finkbeiner
Treasurer: Kathleen Olivotto
Past Chair: Victoria Person
Director: Terry Gilbert
Director: Rita McMillan
Director: Osama Shaheen
Director: Lensie Kerr
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Interested in Joining the Board?
COSPA has an active, engaged Board of Directors and welcomes applications from interested Calgarians to join our Board as vacancies arise. Submit your resume and cover letter for consideration to: hello@calgaryoutdoorpools.ca