Oshawa’s rebuilt Rotary Park pool has welcomed close to 10,000 swimmers and visitors in its first few weeks after reopening.

The outdoor pool reopened on July 22 following a major redevelopment. The project transformed the aging facility in central Oshawa, bringing major upgrades to the nearly 100-year-old park.

According to Durham Radio News, from July 22 to July 25, the pool recorded 2,461 visits. Attendance climbed to 4,842 participants between July 26 and August 1. Another 2,538 people used the facility from August 2 to August 6.

Rotary Park is one of only two outdoor pools operated by the City of Oshawa. The other is located at Camp Samac.

The original Rotary Park pool opened in 1960. The city closed it in 2019 after inspectors identified deteriorating conditions.

Oshawa initially estimated the rehabilitation would cost slightly more than $5 million. The city also expected the pool to reopen within three years. The redevelopment took longer and cost significantly more than originally planned. According to city officials, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to delays. Changes to the design also affected the schedule and scope.

The final project cost reached just over $25 million, roughly five times the original estimate.