There will be a summer celebration at the Earl Haig Family Fun Park after all.
But the party won’t be based on historical dates.
County Mandy Samwell’s resolution calling for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Civic Swimming Pool on the site now known as Earl Haig Family Fun Park was voted down at a city committee meeting earlier this month.
Councilors opposed to the idea raised concern about the historical accuracy of the resolution. While the Civic Swimming Pool opened in July 1923, it was renamed Earl Haig Pool in April 1929, in honor of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, a senior officer of the British Army in the First World War.
Some councilors said the 100th anniversary of the pool’s association with Earl Haig would be more appropriately celebrated in 2029.
“My take on the previous debate is that a lot of it had to do with history and different versions of history,” said Mayor Kevin Davis at a city council meeting on Tuesday. “We lost sight of the essence of the resolution, which is to do a summer celebration for the southern part of the city.”
Councilors voted unanimously for a reworded resolution that directs city staff to organize a summer celebration that recognizes the “uniqueness” of the facility. Residents will be asked to share their photos and memories of the park and the city will organize an event with entertainment and attractions. Entry fees to the park will be waived for the day, which has yet to be determined.
The city will spend up to $15,000 for the celebration.