A pool at the forest’s edge

Renovation of Mundy Park Pool in Coquitlam

Breathing new life into a much-loved, but ageing swimming facility, the renewal of Mundy Park Pool for the City of Coquitlam, demonstrates how civic vision can create an enduring space that meets evolving community needs.

In the early 1970s, the City of Coquitlam built a community pool at the forest edge of the 176 hectare Mundy Park. The pool’s outdoor setting created a unique experience where recreation and nature met, creating an opportunity for people to swim while surrounded by mature trees.

After over half a century of public use, the pool’s ­infrastructure had grown tired and prompted the City to initiate its renewal. The design team’s ambition for Mundy Park Pool was to set a new standard for community-focused recreation – shaping a durable, inclusive facility for the future while preserving its ­legacy: its simplicity, openness and deep connection to the surrounding forest.