Killarney pool is part of the Killarney Community Centre.

Located at Killarney and East 49th Avenue, it has become my new favourite pool in the lower mainland. Designed by Vancouver architect HCMA (Hughes Condon Marler: Architects), the facility was designed with the customer in mind, packed with features to enhance the customers overall experience.

The large North facing windows showcase the North Shore mountains and allows for an open and inclusive experience.

The open walk through design of the universal change rooms creates a feeling of acceptance, welcoming a variety of users. Ideal if you have children, need extra space, or if you prefer to have a private change room.

There are two pools. One pool is for children and parents including fun water jets, erupting bubbles and a kids slide. The other pool is more traditional, with lane swimming and a general splash and fun area.

Did I mention the corkscrew slide? Love it.

The whole facility is accessible by wheelchair users. The long ramp into the hot tub also doubles as a place for young children and their parents to enjoy the hot tub experience as well.

Finally, my favourite, the steam room. If you don’t like it hot (and I mean HOT) avoid the steam room.

The community centre also offers a fitness centre, childcare, a computer lab, gymnasium, activity rooms and dance studio. Finally, if all that wasn’t enough they are building an ice rink which will be used as the short track speed skating training venue as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Patience at peak hours will be required as parking is limited. This will be resolved once ongoing construction on the ice rink is complete and more parking is added.

Killarney is an amazing facility, extremely well designed and enjoyable for everybody.

You think that a swimming pool located in a park would be calming and tranquil, maybe with the sound of wild birds singing in the background. Well, this one is located in a park that is located within a city. While sun bathing I was charmed by the sound of an ever honking car alarm, and the sound of the band warming up at the Stadium next door getting ready for the game, and the hustle of traffic a block away.

That being said, there is something amazing about being at an outdoor pool in Metro Vancouver. Maybe because it is only hot enough to sunbathe for about two months a year, it occurs as a real treat.

The pool is probably the busiest outdoor pool in Burnaby and is definitely the largest. It is a little dated but this doesn’t distract from a great experience. Less of a family pool compared to the Macpherson outdoor pool but kids are definitely welcome.

As the pool is skirted by a large deck many people set up their towel stations and stay there for the day, tanning. If you are intending staying a while bring something comfortable to sit / lay on as there are no deck chairs to be rented.

Enjoy one of many outdoor pools in Metro Vancouver this summer while the sun is still shining.