A thick layer of concrete will cover the steel grate over top of what was the Frank Dunn pool. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Bobby Burke)

By Nigel Maxwell

Closing a chapter

Decommissioning work begins at former Frank Dunn pool

Feb 20, 2026 | 6:00 AM

A swimming pool that holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the Prince Albert area, has now been sealed off by a steel grate and 75 yards worth of concrete.

Decommissioning work has started at the old Frank Dunn pool which was officially closed last year prior to the opening of the Kinsmen Water Park.

PrairieFlat concrete was contracted to do the work on Thursday. Owner Bobby Burke, who grew up in the city, acknowledged the pool has sentimental value.

“My swimming certificates are through there and then we used to swim there in high school and it seems like anyone we’re working with or comes around feels the same way,” he said.

Burke added some of the workers hauling concrete were there when the pool first opened in the 1970’s.

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“It’s just kind of a staple of the community.”

Another view of the work being done. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Bobby Burke)

Saskatchewan Rivers School Division Director of Education Neil Finch told paNOW the decommissioning is going well.  

“We are in the initial stages of what we will do with the space.  No decisions have been made yet,” he said.

Finch added once those decisions are made, they will be made public at an open board meeting. 

“We are a few months away from a decision being made.”

Frank J. Dunn Pool was built in 1973-74 and incorporated into Carlton High School, the largest high school in Saskatchewan as measured by the student population.

It made for easy access for many Prince Albert swimmers and provided recreation for the community as well.

However, with the opening of the new Lake Country Co-Op Leisure Centre, there was no longer a need for the old pool which required maintenance and had limits to the types of events that could be held there.

Frank J. Dunn was the owner of Prince Albert’s Toyota dealership. His son, Frank Dunn Jr., who took up the torch, created a triathlon that still runs every summer in Waskesiu.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell