With the heat well and truly hitting the region this summer and temperatures soaring, Portland Pool is a popular swimming spot for many to cool off.
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole visited the facility on Monday, January 11 to announce funding for a much needed face-lift for the 60 year old pool.
Mr Toole said he was pleased to announce $58,399 to assist in upgrades from the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities fund.
“We know with the warmer weather there are more and more people that are going to the pool during this season, but we also know that Portland Pool is in need of some refurbishment and upgrades,” he said.
The $58,000 will go towards improving the kiddies “little” pool and fix the fencing around the pool itself as well as updating the diving blocks at the Olympic pool.
Portland Pool president Shane Taylor said the money they received would go a long way in improving the pool and the future of it.
“The money that we’ve received is for relining the little pool which was originally built in 1958, we are going to remove those tiles and resurface it,” he said.
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He also said the money would help a bit with some of the challenges the pool has faced recently.
“The recent storms knocked down a couple of trees, they were a big part of the pool and created a lot of shade, so we’ve just finished cleaning up from that,” he said.
Mr Taylor hoped for the upgrades to be completed before the start of the next swimming season.
“It’s gonna be a bit of a challenge, but it will all be done after the season, so it won’t disrupt this swimming season,” he said.
Mr Toole said it was important to keep the pool up to scratch as it was enjoyed by many.
“When you have a look at this facility it’s been servicing the community for a many number of years, it’s an important asset here in this local area,” he said.
He said the money would make a big difference and also thanked Portland Pool’s volunteers for their work.
“It’s not easy, they give up their time, always maintaining it, keeping the pool in pristine condition and this money will help,” he said.
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