The Beagle Editor,
Contrary to frequently repeated reports that Council is proposing to “replace the current 50m pool with a 25m pool”, the actual concept plan includes a 25m x 10-lane pool, plus a 17m x 10m warm water pool, toddlers and leisure pool, a water play splash pool, tower and water slides.
The total water surface area of the current 3 pools at the Batemans Bay Swimming Centre is approx. 785 square m. The proposed pools have a combined water surface area of approx. 1300 square m.
This extra water area will cater for a much greater proportion of the community in separate pools at different temperatures, and will be open all year round.
Many of our older and disabled residents, toddlers, and children learning to swim find the water in the current pools too cold for much of the 6 months the centre is open.
Council’s “Frequently Answered Questions” document regarding the Mackay Park aquatic facility concept plan says “Lap swimmers need a pool with water temperature around 26 degrees so they don’t overheat. People using a therapy pool require 33 to 34 degrees so that they remain warm while exercising. Toddlers and small children in learn-to-swim classes require a pool that is 30 to 32 degrees”.
Under the proposed plan, these different groups of people can all be accommodated at the same time in appropriate water temperatures without interfering with each other.
Meanwhile, children can enjoy the toddler pool, leisure pool and splash pool.
So, while a 50m pool would suit a relatively small number of people, the affordable plan for the available space is to have an all-inclusive facility to cater for a larger number of residents and visitors in all weathers all year round, rather than an underutilised pool complex available for only 6 months of the year.
Jennie Hapgood.
Batemans Bay.
