By Deborah - a Cooperative student at FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

The Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, located in the heart of Regent Park, has recently been honoured with prestigious awards, highlighting its outstanding contributions to aquatic sports and recreation. In addition to these accolades, the aquatic centre is set to inspire and uplift visitors with the installation of a remarkable statue, paying tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Pam McConnell, a dedicated public servant and advocate for social justice.

The Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre has been acknowledged as a model of excellence in aquatic sports and recreational facilities. Its dedication to offering high-quality programs, innovative facilities, and cultivating a feeling of community has garnered it numerous prestigious awards and strong community feedback. The Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre was rewarded with the "Facility of the Year" award on May 12th, 2023, from the National Aquatic Facility Awards, obtaining this honour in recognition of its exceptional operations and customer service. This renowned award recognizes the commitment and hard work of the entire team behind the aquatic centre, from employees to the architects and engineers who worked on its design. Furthermore, the institution was named "Best Community Engagement Program" for its dedication to inclusion and accessibility. The Aquatic Centre has gone above and beyond to make sure that individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities may enjoy aquatic activities and the advantages of a healthy lifestyle. The institution has become a hub for fostering social ties and well-being through its community outreach programs, partnerships with local organizations, and creative projects.

With attendees like Tara Currie the founder and Head Chef of Unity Kitchen, Hanen Nanaa the Founder of the Books Art Music (BAM) Talisha Ramsaroop, who also was the emcee for the event and the  previous award recipient and  the Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKlevie  who presented the Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership and unveiled the statue to further honour the late Pam McConnell, who was a pivotal character for the Regent Park revitalization and community and who dedicated her life to public service and pushing for social justice, a beautiful statue has been built at the Aquatic Centre. The monument is a remarkable tribute to McConnell's unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. McConnell's spirit and determination are captured in the statue, which depicts her as a young woman with extended arms, symbolizing her friendly and inclusive personality. It serves as a reminder of her vision and the values that she stood for, promoting compassion, equality, and community participation in those who visit the aquatic facility. The statue not only honours McConnell's incredible legacy but also acts as a continual reminder of the need for working together to build a brighter future. Titled 'Look at What We Have Achieved!' and created by Alexander Moyle, a Toronto- based sculptor who creates purposeful public art, worked closely with McConnell’s family during its creation, ensuring that her essence was captured.  It represents the immense influence that one individual can have on a community, and it encourages visitors to follow in McConnell's footsteps and make a positive difference in their own and others. 

Moyle is a Toronto-based sculptor who sculpts, designs, creates and fabricates meaningful and expressive permanent public art with expertise in a broad range of materials, techniques, and forms, for diverse settings and environments.  The artist and his team collaborated closely with McConnell’s family throughout the design process to ensure that Pam's likeness and spirit were accurately captured.