Watermania

14300 Entertainment Blvd., Richmond, BC V6W 1K3
Phone 604 448 5353
Fax 604 448 5354
Public Swim Info: 604 276 4300

At a glance...

• Accessible Parking
• Spots located all over RiverPort
• 4 Spots located directly in front of main entrance
• Power Operated Door
• Located at Front Entrance
• Braille & Tactile Signage
• Washrooms, Changing Rooms
• Gradual Ramps
• Hand Railings
• Platform areas
• Lobby
• Lowered front desk
• Strong Colour Contrast Between Walls and Flooring
• Accessible Change Rooms
• Individual Changing Stalls
• Shower Bench, Detachable Showerhead
• Raised Toilet with Grab Bars
• Barrier Free Accessories
• 23” Changing Bench
• Accessible Washrooms
• Spacious Stalls
• Raised Toilet Seats with Grab Bars
• Barrier Free Accessories
• Pool & Spas
• Pool has wheelchair lift
• Pool has roll-in ramp in kid’s area
• Chairs available
• Jacuzzi has lift
• Accessible Dining Area
• Some tables have designated wheelchair seating

Our take...

Located in the exciting and enormously accessible Riverport quarter of Richmond, Watermania is the essence of barrier free design.  The facility has tons to offer people of all ages and is remarkably accessible.  Parking is found within close proximity to the front entrance, and smooth sidewalks and gradual ramps lead from one of eight handicap parking spots to power entry doors.  Upon entry, the lobby is a spacious room with a smooth wheeling surface and strong colour contrast between walls and floors.  Signage is printed in relatively large lettering with strong colour contrast.  The reception desk has a lowered section for wheelchair access.

    Before entering the pool, guests will pass through either Men’s or Ladies change rooms.  Both have roll in showers with shower benches and automatic water control, as well as handicap washrooms with wheelchair accessible accessories and toilets – mirrors and soap dispensers are a little high. Changing benches are wheelchair height and quite wide, allowing for easy transfers and room to dress.  A Family change room offers rooms specifically designed to accommodate physically disabled persons.  There is one clearly marked wheelchair accessible individual changing room, although room 6 is equally designed.  Both are equipped with wide changing benches, a raised toilet with grab bars, a shower bench with detachable showerhead, and a roll under sink with lever control and tilted mirrors and lowered soap dispensers.  Watermania provides wheelchairs to roll from the change rooms to the pool area.  The pool has a roll in ramp located in the children’s area.  There is also a lift that allows entry into the larger section of the pool.  A lift also provides entry into the Jacuzzi.  The facility also offers a steam room, sauna, concession, swim and fitness store, and a multipurpose room that is open for fitness classes, birthday parties, meetings and rentals.  All are capable of accommodating persons in chairs.

    Watermania is the most wheelchair accessible swimming facility I have ever seen.  It has something to offer everyone, regardless or age or mobility challenges.  The whole Riverport area is designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, and Watermania does not stray from this quality.  It offers aerobics, aquasize, and other programs.  If you would like to learn more about Watermania or its programs call (604) 448-5353 or visit www.richmond.ca and look for Watermania under the Parks & Recreation link.  For public swim information call (604) 276-4300.   Its accessibility exceeds societal standards and is a perfect representation of universal design.