The newly refurbished swimming pool in Gundagai opened on Saturday, where locals and visitors could take advantage of the new amenities during the weekend’s hot weather.
The opening was delayed allowing for the renovations on the facilities at the pool to be completed. CGRC staff and the pool lessee worked until the wee hours of Saturday morning to complete the last-minute adjustments and improvements to get the pool opened.
The refurbishment includes a new space with the extension to the existing club room for swim club members. The new club room has been extended by approximately 24m2 and sees an area that will house more storage room for club equipment, new kitchenette facilities, fresh paint, and non-slip epoxy coating on the new floor surface. The extension opens directly onto the pool area precinct with a roller door allowing for easy access to lane ropes and other essential equipment used on club and carnival events. New concrete paving has been installed along with a new gate at the side entrance with new concrete pathways and drainage along the full length of the club room on the exterior. The new club room will provide a convenient and private space for swim club members to change, store their belongings and relax. The club room will also allow members the opportunity for social interaction, a meeting space and display area of club trophies and memorabilia.
A new entry foyer that has disability access, combined with a new kiosk that meet with current food handling principles will make for easy access. A new first aid room meets the required building code has been included in the refurbishment. Pool users will enjoy new toilet and shower facilities, all with disabled access, and baby change area.
The Gundagai War Memorial Swimming Pool refurbishment was funded through a SCF – $439,915 grant and $120,000 contribution from the Gundagai Swimming Club. The combined sum of $559, 915 is for the entire project to completion including works to be conducted by Council.
CGRC mayor Councillor Abb McAlister said this refurbishment adds to the great improvements that have taken place in the pool precinct each season over the last three to four years.
The pool has seen some vast improvements over the last few years with the installation of a secured playground, with soft fall matting, new swimming pool lane ropes that included six competition lane ropes and an additional four training lane ropes and an electric competition starter. Patrons were treated to the redevelopment of the gym area and the fitting of temperature-controlled pool cover systems and the installation of shade sails.
The improvements to the pool include the installation of a zero-depth entry ramp. The zero-depth ramp enables people of all ages and disabilities access to the Olympic Pool. CGRC has purchased a specialised wheelchair that will be available for those who need this type of access to the pool,” Councillor McAlister said.
The Olympic Pool has also seen major structural work completed to restore the surface repairing long term water leakage problems.
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Gundagai Swimming Pool opened on Saturday after major refurbishment works were completed.