Vernon Recreation — Attraction in Vernon

Went to take my nephew there today who is only 7 years old and as I had some homework I needed to complete I didn't bring a bathing suit, thinking that I could watch him from the viewing area. Upon arrival they told me due to COVID regulations the viewing area was closed, upon questioning why they couldn't give me a good reason. Don't get me wrong, I am all for COVID regulation and following PHO, I advise for a company on PHO. So respecting this policy, I decided okay, I will pay for the pass to get in, I'll take my shoes off and roll up my pants but not go in the water so my nephew can still go to the pool. I was still refused access as a paying patron because I guess, unless I actually had a bathing suit and entered the "Chlorinated" area, as it was put to me, I could not enter the pool area. Then they told me I could send my 7 year old nephew in but I was being refused access, why would I that. So in the end we went home as during this time the pools capacity maxed out. This irritated and intrigued me as I am a student at the University (undergrad in Microbiology) who attends classes of 200+ in person. Why would a viewing area at a public pool not be open but my classroom is fine? When I looked up PHO for swimming pools there was no mention of viewing areas that needed to be closed only vaccination cards ands 50% capacity to enter the pools. Doing further research it also states that spectators to sporting events just need masks and vaccination cards which I was willing to do both. These kind of unexplainable "COVID" regulation that do not fall under actual PHO are the reason we are having these kinds protests right now. Either explain to your patrons why a services is not available and don't use "COVID regulations" as a cop out...

Visited the pool for the first time in 10 years. It has not been updated despite the rest of the facility having major updates. The cleanliness was embarrassing with chunks of hair that looked like someone lost their extensions on the bottom of the leisure pool, and bandaids stuck to the walls. I paid $32 for two adults which is a huge jump in price from home (greater Vancouver area) where all leisure centres charge $5 per person, even the H2O pool in Kelowna charges much less. I realized too late that I should have just refused the price and walked away. We stayed about ten minutes before getting out to leave. My partner mentioned the men’s private change rooms are not secured to the ground, and actually lifted up when he tried to close the door that did not properly align with the door frame. I did ask for my money back and the front desk staff was incredibly kind and helpful offering me a 50% refund even though they apparently don’t do refunds. Having her listen to my concerns was very validating for my experience and I appreciated dealing with...

Update: Looks like they've added signs to alleviate the use of the two family change stalls. Although, seems very privileged to reserve one entire change room for lessons only.

Staff seem nice enough, and decent pool areas, but there is no effort to ensure their two tiny individual family change rooms are available for family's with infants and babies, rather than individuals who create nearly hour-long line ups to use multi-person family change rooms on their own. Even a sign indicating "For Swimmers with Children", or something, would show at least some attempt at consideration.

It was not a good experience to have to take my 20-month old daughter into a male change room that has one single dangerously placed change-table, that is full of hazards, and that has inappropriate language/situations ongoing constantly. Not to mention, in the male change rooms there is no possible way for me to shower/clean my daughter so we ended up having to leave filthy and full...