Pool an outside chance

By Paul Dunlop
AN OUTDOOR pool is part of longterm plans for the new aquatic centre complex at Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire officers said $5 million had been set aside in future capital works budgets for construction of an outdoor pool in 201112.
But question marks remain about the likely size of any outdoor pool, with some concerns raised about the viability of Olympicsized facilities.
The council is also yet to officially decide the future of the old outdoor pool in Anderson Street which had been closed since it was declared unsafe in 2001.
Swimming pools are always a hot topic of discussion in Pakenham at this time of year.
Despite continuing pleas from the community, it remains more than likely that the old pool will be decommissioned, although the council has left the door somewhat ajar.
The council put the onus on the communitybased Save the Pakenham Pool group to come up with a strategy for operating the old outdoor pool.
The masterplan for the PB Ronald Reserve, of which the pool is a part, provides for the area to be redeveloped as a picnic and barbecue area.
That is subject to council approval.
The official line on the pool is that no decision has been made.
Meanwhile, building continues apace on the new multimillion dollar aquatic centre complex at the Toomuc Reserve.
Responding to a question from councillor Leonora Cox, council manager of community wellbeing Fiona Hodges said at the council’s 17 October meeting that an outdoor pool was included in planning for the aquatic centre.
Councillors seeking reelection have also included a new outdoor pool as one of the projects they would like to see achieved in the new council term.
Chief executive officer Don Welsh also mentioned the prospect of a new pool at the Toomuc Reserve when unveiling the new Cardinia LiFE name and logo of the indoor aquatic centre.
Ms Hodges said at the council’s meeting that it was under consideration.
“Careful provision was made (in the design stage) in terms of siting and facilities location to enable the addition of a 50metre pool to the west of the new building,” Ms Hodges said.
“Secondly, some financial/market review work has been undertaken in conjunction with feasibility assessment and planning for the shire’s aquatic facilities and the four court extension to the stadium.
“Indications from this work are that the feasibility of a 50metre pool relies to some extent on potential competition use, yet capital costs for such a venue would be high given the costs of enclosure and the amenities required for a full competition venue.”
Ms Hodges said the review pointed out a number of downsides to 50metre outdoor venues and a strong trend away from outdoor to indoor swimming facilities, driven by users’ preference as well as viability issues.
“It is now planned to undertake further feasibility assessment focused on a 50metre pool once the new aquatic centre has been opened and possible demand levels for further facilities can be ascertained,” Ms Hodges said.