ESTEVAN - The swimming pool inside the Estevan Leisure Centre is going to have a new name for the foreseeable future.
Access Communications Co-operative announced last Wednesday it had purchased the naming rights of the Estevan Leisure Centre's swimming pool, which will be known as the Access Communications Aquatic Centre (ACAC).
“Access is proud to partner with the City of Estevan for the Access Communications Aquatic Centre,” said Access president and CEO Carmela Haines. "Our sponsorship reflects our ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of those in the communities we serve. Community is at the heart of our co-operative and we’re thrilled about this partnership.”
Terms of the purchase were not released, but in an email to the Mercury and SaskToday, Access manager of corporate communications Mark Rathwell said it is a multi-year agreement. The sponsorship is a mix of cash and in-kind support that includes technology and advertising.
Access noted the pool is a focal point for the community, offering programming for all ages, including Surf & Swim, lane swims, adult independent swimming and Aquafit classes.
It is the home of such organizations as Estevan Sharks water polo, Estevan Golden Eels summer speed swimming and Estevan Mermaids synchronized swimming. Birthday parties, Starfish Aquatics swimming lessons and Wibit Pool Track also happen at the pool.
“The City of Estevan and the Estevan Leisure Centre team are pleased to welcome this partnership with Access Communications,” said leisure services manager Erin Wilson. “Sponsorships like these assist us in continuing to be able to provide a facility and programming that welcomes patrons of all ages and support our community’s needs.”
Wilson said the money for the partnership will be used to support operations in the facility rather than a particular project.
"We look forward to working with Access for the term of this agreement and hosting a community day annually to celebrate their presence in the Estevan Leisure Centre," she said.
Rathwell pointed out Access has similar partnerships in North Battleford, Weyburn and Yorkton, among other communities. It purchased the naming rights for the pool in Yorkton's leisure centre. He noted the swimming pool was always the focus of its attention for sponsorships in the Estevan Leisure Centre.
"We're always looking for opportunities to support the communities that we operate in and the customers that support us," he said.
Access is looking to provide its technology to the facility, including Internet, phone, public Wi-Fi hubs and more. It will also promote the facility and services on its community channel.
To celebrate the partnership, Access is hosting a free swim day at the aquatic centre on Oct. 26 from 1-5 p.m. Entry is on a first-come basis.
Access said it will be giving away juice, cookies and Access merchandise. It will also be drawing for a prize basket that includes an Amazon Firestick.
To learn more about the Access Communications Aquatic Centre, visit www.estevan.ca/aquaticcentre.
