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A quarter century of riding the wave

Langley's W.C. Blair wave pool celebrates 25 years
2011-12-10 submitted
Blair Rec Centre anniversary mural.
A mural celebrating Murrayville and marking W.C. Blair’s 25th anniversary was unveiled by the young artists who created the work, Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese, John Blair – son of former Mayor Bill Blair, whom the Recreation Centre was named after, and Don Shilton of the Langley Arts Council.

More than 500 people came out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first wave pool in B.C. on Dec. 10 at the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre in Langley.

The 35,000 square foot indoor facility is named after former Township mayor Bill Blair.

It includes a wave machine that generates waves that break onto a “zero beach” one that gradually slopes from the deck into the water, becoming deeper with each step in the manner of a natural beach.

The 25 meter, six-lane indoor pool at 22200 Fraser Highway also features a weight room, sauna and whirlpool as well as rental rooms.

The public pool party, hosted by the Township of Langley, featured free events and activities, demonstrations, a 25-year birthday cake and displays of memorabilia.

“It was wonderful,” said Township Community Recreation Manager Lesley Visser.

“A number of people remember being here when W.C. Blair first opened and now their children are the next generation to enjoy the fun and educational programs the Centre provides,” Visser added.

At the anniversary event, W.C. Blair unveiled a mural created by local young artists and the Langley Arts Council through a Nothing Without Effort Township grant.

The pool is now closed for maintenance, and will reopen on Jan. 2.