Richmond - The Editor, Re: "Ground breaks on $80 million Minoru complex," News, July 23.Open letter to mayor and council: As the previous manager of the UBC Aquatic Centre and Aquatics in Richmond, I am concerned in relation to the lack of vision for the new facilities in Richmond.Building a 25-metre pool in this community is irresponsible, especially in light of the expanded population and demographics in Richmond.What this indicates to me is that there is no vision of what it could be by maintaining the status quo.When we built Minoru and Watermania, there was a European vision in relation to what it could be.In our design, we brought in natural light; the first slides in a commercial pool; the first rope swing; large whirlpools; and the large teach pool, which was the first in the province.We also experimented and got the health ministry to approve the use of ozone as an oxidant.Surrey is in the process of building a new aquatic complex (Grandview Heights) and the design is nothing likeRichmond's. It is an innovative and beautiful design. Hungary is building a new centre in Budapest and the design makes Richmond look inadequate.If council is going to spend $80 million dollars, could we have a facility that compliments this community, that will serve us for the next 50 years?A 25-metre pool just does not serve the best interests of this community.I also understand that there has been discussion about putting a 50-metre pool at the Oval?That idea is not in the best interests of this community because of the location.The Oval is difficult to access; it is expensive to park there; and it is not on any transportation route for families.The success of any facility is location, location. That is why Minoru was located on the current site with a red roof so that the community could identify where it was.In closing, please reconsider your design at Minoru, as the current design does not meet the needs of this community now or in the near future.Chris NealeRichmond
