A new, $230 million recreation centre in North Vancouver will open its doors on August 17, with a 10-lane, 25 m pool that will open later this year.

The 17,507 m² (188,450 sf) Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre opened in stages. Drop-in and “try-it” activities began July 27, while staff continued to prepare some facilities for use. The centre will operate longer hours starting August 17.

The new facility replaces the former Harry Jerome and Memorial community recreation centres.

Apart from a 25 m pool, the facility includes a large leisure pool, a lazy river, spray features, and a tot zone. The aquatic area also includes diving springboards and a three-metre platform. Other features include a hot tub, dry sauna, steam room, and all-ages hot pool.

The North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission (NVRC) says the aquatic area must undergo testing of its water treatment and filtration systems. Staff must also train on new equipment and complete health authority inspections and approvals before the pools can open. It expects aquatic programming and lessons to begin this fall. The centre will offer lane swimming, aquafit, masters swimming, lifeguard and instructor training, lessons, and public swims once the aquatic facilities are ready.

The Harry Jerome Centre is owned by the City of North Vancouver and operated by NVRC.