The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool has been officially re-opened following a $7.5 million refurbishment by Glenorchy City Council and the Tasmanian Government.
Glenorchy Mayor, Sue Hickey said the reopening was an extremely important day for the community, with the pool being closed for repairs over the past three summers.
“The community told Council loud and clear that it wanted us to repair the pool and get it reopened, and, with the help of the State Government, that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Mayor Hickey said.
“These repairs and refurbishment will extend the pool’s operational life, allowing people to enjoy the many benefits of a community pool for a few more summers yet.”
The refurbishment included the pool shell being repaired and repainted, major upgrades of pipes, electrical and chemical dosing infrastructure, installation of an accessible pool entry ramp, improved change room facilities including fully accessible change areas and bathrooms.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and effort to go from what was a broken and unsafe site a few years ago to a safe, accessible outdoor swimming pool which will continue to serve the community in the short term,” said the Mayor.
“This is undoubtedly a win for the community, and a win for those who cared enough for the pool to want to see it continue, and I thank all those people for their passion and determination. They demonstrated what community pride can do.”
Mayor Hickey said Council would continue to seek support for a redeveloped aquatic centre to eventually replace the existing pool.
“This facility is now more than 60 years old, and, notwithstanding this refurbishment, at some point within coming years, we will need to be building something bigger and better for the longer term for our community and the broader region.
“I’m particularly excited that Tasmanian Olympic swimmer Max Giuliani will be popping down for a look at the pool on Saturday and hopefully give it his tick of approval.”
“We know how important this facility is. It is far more than just a swimming pool – it is a community hub. It gives people a reason to get out into the community, to be active, to be engaged.
“Yes, it’s great that if one day a child who learns to swim at this pool goes on to represent the country as a competitive swimmer, but it’s just as great if a child learns vital skills that could one day save their own life or someone else’s. It’s also great if this pool gives some of our elderly people an added reason to stay active and stay connected with other people.”
Mayor Hickey thanked the State Government for its $5 million contribution to the refurbishment, the contractors and Council staff who carried out and oversaw the project, as well as Belgravia, who are operating the pool on behalf of Council.
“It took a community effort to keep the pool going, and I’m certain the community will continue to support it as well as our plans to eventually make it bigger and better for everyone,” she said.
