It will be a big day in Ogema on Saturday. Nearly two years after the work started on the project, the grand opening for the new pool at Ogema Regional Park will be held.

"This pool project has renewed this important recreation facility for years to come thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments, along with the tireless efforts of the dedicated volunteers and the generous donors who use this key amenity in our Regional Park," said Kyle Leonard, the chair of the board of directors of the Ogema Regional Park Authority. "This pool will position our area for growth and help attract more visitors to support our local business and other tourist attractions such as Southern Prairie Railway and the Deep South Pioneer Museum."

When the work started on the pool in September of 2021, there was a lot to be done. The original pool needed to be demolished. Then, they had to rebuild the pool and build all the things needed for the pool, including amenities. This included things such as the pump room, fencing for the pool, a new concrete deck, and an artificial turf lounge area.

The cost of the project to build the pool was covered in a three-way split. The Ogema Regional Park Authority put in, along with contributions from local donors, $550,000. Then, $330,760 was covered by the federal government, and the remainder, $275,606, came from the provincial government.

"The Ogema Regional Park has long been a family-oriented greenspace where residents can enjoy the outdoors and cool down during the warmest days of summer," said Dominic LeBlanc, the federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure, and Communities. "Our government is proud to join the Ogema Regional Park Authority in celebrating the grand opening of their new pool, which is sure to be a popular spot for years to come."

"Our government was proud to be a partner in this initiative by investing more than $275,000 in provincial funding toward Ogema Regional Park Authority's pool project," Wood River MLA David Marit added. "The improved recreational facility will make a big splash for local swimmers and tourists alike. Congratulations to everyone involved in this project and working toward a common goal to improve the community, which demonstrates the strength of Saskatchewan people."

The opening ceremonies on Saturday will include a ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m., followed by a barbecue.