Larwood-Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool

WELCOME BACK, LSMP!

Thanks to a tremendous amount of fundraising, donations, and volunteer work, the Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool reopened on July 2, 2024. The first few weeks were consistently busy as the community wanted to check out the new facility – it was easy to pinpoint the families who were going to spend the majority of their summer at the pool!

In July and August, LSMP hosted four sets of swimming lessons for approximately 150 swimmers. Although there were a few chilly mornings, the instructors did a great job and the kids had a lot of fun. There were six Free Swims hosted over the course of the summer that were all well attended, and the pool was rented regularly throughout the summer – the Porcupine Opportunities Program rented the pool each week for their residents to swim, and there were several children who celebrated their birthdays with a pool party.  The community was excited to have their pool back and the LSMP Board is thrilled to be able to provide the community with an affordable summer hangout – they can’t wait to see you all again next summer!

A special thank you goes out to the incredible lifeguard and instructing team – Kiera, Marli, Danika, Ava, Hana, and Tiana; to the Pool Manager, Ben Hamelin; to the LSMP Board & Volunteers; to Free Swim sponsors Parkland Co-op, Affinity Credit Union, ProSoils Youth in Motion, Rick Fettis, & Jig’s Corner Stop Café; to DZ Electric for donating time and labour for electrical work; and to Keith Agrey, who donated time and labour for work in the mechanical room.

Thank you to the PP Economic Development Committee, who donated the proceeds from the 50/50 at their Annual Show & Shine in 2024 (image left). 

The Town will have a table at the Fall Fair on Thursday, October 10th to take orders for the 2025 Community Calendar.  Be sure to get your orders in.

The LSMP Board’s biggest fundraiser – It’s in the Bin Harvest Party – is scheduled for Friday, November 1st.  Keep an eye out for tickets – you won’t want to miss it!

Fundraising efforts will continue for the operation of the facility – we thank you for your continued support!

 

November 2022

The Larwood-Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool Fundraising Committee’s first It’s in the Bin Harvest Party was held on Friday, October 28th.  With an incredible meal provided by Faron Saufert and the Dam Smokehouse in Nipawin, live music from the band Magnum, and an incredible selection of bucket-draw and silent auction items donated by area residents and businesses, the evening was incredibly enjoyable for all who attended, and the high-energy Tractor Races made for some friendly competition!

Kelsey Burton was on hand to announce the donation of $15,000 on behalf of ProSoils/Youth in Motion; Brianne Braaten & Tracy Darmokid presented a cheque for $20,000 on behalf of Affinity Credit Union Member Council; and Brianne Braaten & Taylor Hood presented a cheque for $25,000 on behalf of Parkland Co-op. 

To top it all off, Vern & Gail Armitage announced their donation of $100,000 on behalf of Wheelers Transport towards the rebuild of the swimming pool!

With these donations, along with proceeds from ticket sales, bucket draws and silent auction, the evening brought in a whopping total of $181,000 for the project!

The Wheaton Family, who were instrumental in having the original Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool constructed 25+ years ago, have generously pledged to match any
fundraising efforts up to $100,000!

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project and, in particular, to the LSMP Fundraising Committee for their work in putting on such an
enjoyable and successful evening!

 

July 2022

Town council has approved plans to move ahead with the replacement of Larwood-Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool.  Utilizing insurance proceeds, as well as funding from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, the plan is to construct a new zero-entry swimming pool and to revitalize the surrounding green space.

In February of 2021, the Town of Porcupine Plain provided residents with a Recreation Survey.  The results from that survey identified a desire for opportunities to increase physical fitness, health and wellness, and to enjoy nature and the outdoors; it specifically identified the community’s desire for a swimming pool,, walking/bike paths, and facilities that are accessible for seniors and those with disabilities and mobility issues.  In 2021, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund was announced to help communities across Canada build and improve infrastructure so they could rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on projects that help to reanimate and rejuvenate community spaces.  The Town of Porcupine Plain applied for funding under this program in order to create the Larwood-Shaw Memorial Park, a vibrant and inclusive recreation oasis which would include a zero-entry, accessible swimming pool, walking paths, park
furnishings and picnic shelter, along with other recreational fixtures.

Citing the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, costs have increased since the time of the original grant application.  While the project has needed to be revised slightly, the overall goal remains the same – to replace our beloved swimming pool and create a beautiful park space for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy.  However, due to increasing prices, there is a need to fundraise a further $300,000 to complete the project – including the replacement of the swimming pool and installation of a walking path, park benches, and a picnic shelter. 

The Wheaton Family – who were instrumental in having the original Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool constructed 25+ years ago – have generously pledged to match any fundraising efforts up to $100,000!

To assist with these efforts, the Town of Porcupine Plain is actively fundraising for park furnishings through the Memorial Bench Program.  Sponsoring a bench at Larwood-Shaw Memorial Park is a terrific way to honour a loved one – benches serve as a beautiful lasting remembrance that will benefit the community for years to come!  If you are looking for a way to pay tribute to someone special, contact Koral at 306-278-2311 or cdo.porcupine@sasktel.net for more info or to request a copy of the Memorial Bench Donation Application. 

The Town will also be hosting the burger booth at the Shand Fair on Wednesday, August 10th, with funds going towards walking paths.  If you are interested in working a shift at the burger booth, please contact Koral at 306-278-2311.  Otherwise, the Town looks forward to serving you lunch that day!

The new Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool Board & Fundraising Committee is also committed to fundraising efforts to help with this project.  They will be hosting the 50/50 draw at the Show & Shine to be held on Saturday, July 23rd; further fundraisers to benefit the construction of the Pool will be announced as plans are finalized.  Once construction has been completed, the Fundraising Committee will continue their fundraising efforts for the operation of the facility.  If you are interested in volunteering with fundraising efforts, please contact Aaron Hoffus at 306-278-7417 or send a message through the Larwood Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool Facebook page. 

Please keep an eye out for all of these exciting opportunities to support the Larwood-Shaw Memorial Park project!  And, in the meantime, if you would like to make a monetary donation to the project, there are several options available to you:

  1. Stop by the Town Office at 151 McAllister Avenue North, Porcupine Plain;
  2. Mail a cheque to PO Box 310, Porcupine Plain, SK  S0E 1H0; or
  3. Send e-Transfer to porcupineplain@sasktel.net

Make all payments payable to the Town of Porcupine Plain and a charitable receipt will be issued to you.

The swimming pool has been dearly missed by Porcupine Plain & Area residents and visitors.  With the community’s support, the Town of Porcupine Plain & the Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool Board look forward to making this project come to fruition.

 

March 2022

The Larwood-Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool has not been operational since 2019 due to structural damages caused by a water line break. An insurance claim was made and, in April 2021, the Town received news that the claim was approved.

Stay tuned for more information — coming soon!!!

 

June 2019

The Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool Board Members regret to inform our community of the closure of our facility for the 2019 season.  It was a difficult decision, one we did not take lightly; but, due to unforeseen circumstances, we felt this was the best decision.  The Board is taking this time to regroup and focus on a plan of action. More information will be available within the coming weeks.

The daily operations and decisions pertaining to the Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool have been taken over by the Town of Porcupine Plain; the board members will continue on as a Fundraising Committee only.

We thank the community for their concern and inquiries regarding the status of the Swimming Pool.  At this time, however, there is no further update available. We can advise that it is the intention of the Town and the LSMP Fundraising Committee to continue our efforts to repair and reopen in as short a time as possible and that, once further information is available, we will advise the community accordingly.

Volunteer efforts will continue with fundraising to ultimately replace our outdoor swimming pool.  All donations received to date will be put towards this major project!  The Board welcomes anyone to join in such efforts by becoming a board member — to ensure this project’s success, we require the support and help of many!

The Board recognizes that this announcement is not a welcome one and will upset and inconvenience many community members.  There are no words to truly express our regret in having to make this decision, but the circumstances are out of our control.  Your understanding and patience as we sort through the details is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
LSMP Board Members

Estelle Leichert, Koral Kriger, Nicole Turkewich,
Lana Taylor, Tania McMartin, & Keshia Hoffus

 

History

The Larwood Shaw Memorial Pool was constructed in 1995, and is dedicated to the memory of Bert Larwood and Jack Shaw. Grateful acknowledgment is given to the Don & Marion Wheaton Family, whose financial assistance made this community project possible. The facility stands as a symbol of the widespread support from the citizens of Porcupine Plain and surrounding communities and of the tireless efforts of those individuals whose work resulted in its completion.

Unfortunately, the Larwood Shaw Memorial Pool could not open the summer of 2019 due to structural damage, and it will remain closed until repairs or replacement can be made.