Sponsorship of Outdoor Pool at Nelson Park

The outdoor pool at Nelson Park is the City of Burlington's oldest outdoor pool, built in 1965. As one of only two outdoor facilities, the pool is a well-used and much loved destination during the summer months for residents in south Burlington.

Over the years, the pool at Nelson has received various upgrades, including a new wading pool with splash features in 1995 and dedicated change rooms in 2010.

In May 2015, during an annual pre-season inspection, it was discovered the pool had suffered significant structural damage. With two consecutive severe winter seasons, the steel structure of the pool experienced an accelerated rate of deterioration and had corroded beyond repair. A structural engineering report deemed the pool unsafe for public use resulting in an unexpected long-term closure.

On Dec. 16, 2015 Burlington City Council approved the replacement of the pool at Nelson Park, planned for opening in 2018. Main features of the new outdoor pool will include:

• Eight swim lanes, 50 metres in length (consistent with competitive swimming requirements)
• A beach entry leisure pool
• A new splash park
• A climbing wall and other play equipment (TBC)

The revitalized outdoor pool will carry on the tradition of being a "hub" for community activities, particularly for residents located in south Burlington. Daily activities will include swimming lessons, user group rentals and recreational swims.

The outdoor pool is situated within the Nelson Community Centre which includes an arena. Patrons enter through the arena to gain access to the pool area. The revitalized pool site is also adjacent to Nelson Park with its multi-use paths and outdoor sports facilities including a playground, a BMX track and baseball fields. The facility will benefit from full recreation service support from the City of Burlington.

Render Images of Nelson Pool

• According to a recent survey, 79% of Burlington residents prefer to swim in outdoor pools during the summer season. The pool is an important community asset.
• The pool is one of the top three most-used facilities in the city throughout the summer months.
• Recreational facilities like outdoor pools are essential to supporting the community's physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Recreational facilities support active living which are known to enhance quality of life, balanced living and lifelong learning
• The pool provides a place for the community to gather and play.
• The outdoor pool at Nelson Park naming opportunity is ideal for a company that wants to connect with Burlington residents and increase their profile as an active supporter of the community.

The City of Burlington is ready to explore a customized naming sponsorhip benefits package. Let's explore the options. To set up a discovery meeting to discuss your goals and objectives, please contact: 

Julia Rodgerson
Supervisor, Marketing and Sponsorship
Julia.rodgerson@burlington.ca

Why is the city offering sponsorship and naming opportunities for the Outdoor Pool Replacement Project at Nelson Park?

• Similar to other municipalities, the City of Burlington is exploring ways to generate new revenue streams to reduce the potential burden on the tax base.
• Based on a Council direction, city staff were asked to support investigating naming sponsorship for the outdoor pool to generate new funds to help with the future repair and renewal requirements of the facility.
• If successful, the sponsorship program may be applied to other corporate assets - subject to approval by Council.

Is naming and sponsorship new to the City of Burlington?

• No. The naming of city facilities is not new to the City of Burlington. In fact, there are specific policies in place that govern naming and practices for all of the city's corporate assets.
• City Policy #1.3.6: Naming of City of Burlington Corporate Assets, states that council may acknowledge the activities and significant contribution made by organization and individuals to the City of Burlington or to society as a whole, through the use of various naming recognition options.
• It also states that only those assets designated by council now or in the future are eligible for naming and council may retain the right to not name specific corporate assets.

What other City of Burlington facilities are named?

• Paletta Mansion and various rooms in the mansion
• Various rooms at Tansley Woods Community Centre
• Dofasco Waterjet at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington
• Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond
• Haber Community Centre

What other types of Sponsorship is the City involved in?

Other examples of sponsorship include:

• Tim Horton free swims and skates
• Sponsorship of the Festivals and Events directly delivered by the City.
• Sponsorship of the new shelter at Norton Leash Free Park.

Will the city be offering naming rights and sponsorship for all city facilities?

Based on a review of the Outdoor Pool Replacment Project, if successful, city staff may make a recommendation whether or not there is benefit to expand the program to other city assets.

Does the city consider and match the suitability of the potential sponsor with the corporate asset?

• Yes. Every effort is made to ensure potential corporate donors/sponsors align appropriately with the associated facility's form and function.
• In the city's corporate policy for donations and sponsorship, it states that all donations and sponsorships will be consistent with the city of Burlington's vision and mission and will not in any way contravene any policy of the city or reflect negatively on the city's public image.
• The city has the right to reject any gift or donation in whole or in part.

What other municipalities are doing this?

In a survey conducted on Sponsorship and Naming Rights by the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing, 66 percent of munipalities are involved in some form of corporate engagement and of these municipalities 94 percent are seeking naming rights sponsors. For more information on this survey contact berniecolternman@cepsm.ca