Following a significant reconstruction project, the Allan Marshall Pool at Trent University celebrated its grand reopening today (March 20) and is now set to officially welcome back students, staff, and local residents alike for an enhanced aquatic experience.
"The Allan Marshall Pool has long been a focal point of student life at Trent University and serves as a hub for physical activity, health, and wellness for our students, faculty, and staff, as well as the broader community," said Debra Cooper Burger, chair of the Trent University Board of Governors, who attended the grand opening along with Trent leaders and staff, Peterborough Mayor and Trent alumnus Jeff Leal, and community members. "Today, the Allan Marshall Pool continues to create a welcoming bridge between the University and the local community, and its reopening signifies Trent's ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy and active community.
The pool, which opened to users in January, is newly fitted with a ramp for increased accessibility, header walls with blocks for competitive swimming, and significant upgrades to structural and mechanical features. The beloved hand-painted mural, originally commissioned in 1999 by local artist Richard Hayman, remains a key focal point of the pool.
"Allowing community members and students of all abilities to enjoy our facilities is so important for the University," said Tariq Al-idrissi, vice-president of Finance & Administration at Trent. "The reconstruction and enhancements ensure that visitors to the Trent Athletics Centre will be able to enjoy our pool for years to come."
A return to full community programming in the pool is underway, prioritizing Trent's existing community partners, including the Trent Swim Club, Kawartha Artistic Swimming, Special Olympics, and Trent students. Community swimming lessons are scheduled to resume in May. For updated schedules, visit trentu.ca/athletics.
The Allan Marshall Pool is named in honour of Flight Lieutenant Stuart Allan Marshall, remembered for his commitment to the sport of swimming, his involvement in the Peterborough community, and his support in establishing Trent University - as originally proposed by the community in 1978.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
