Pools pull crowds

OUTDOOR pool hour restrictions may be responsible for a decline in attendance, but South Gippsland Shire Council said it would not extend or alter hours.
Council’s recreational officer Ian Murphy said while numbers were down on last year, a couple of regional pools were experiencing a good season.
“As of the end of January, total attendance numbers across all pools are slightly down on last season. While Toora and Foster are ahead of last season’s figures at this point, the remaining outdoor pools are behind,” he said.
“February is traditionally the highest attendance month at some of the pools with school programs and carnivals meaning attendance figures are anticipated to be consistent with previous years.”
Korumburra Outdoor Pool has hosted many school swimming carnivals, but the pool’s open hours can be somewhat restrictive for families with young children who may wish to swim during the day.
Korumburra Outdoor Pool is currently operating from 3pm until 7pm on weekdays during the school term and only opens if the forecast temperature is 25 degrees Celsius the night prior.
Foster Pool, which has seen an increase in attendances, is also open from 3pm however early morning swimming sessions and free water play allow families to visit between 7am and 9 am, and 9.30am to 11am on weekdays.
Mr Murphy said restrictions were similar to other pools across Gippsland.
“There are currently no plans to extend opening hours as doing so would require further financial investment from council,” he said.
“Our opening hours and trigger temperature are similar to our neighbouring municipalities.”
Mr Murphy said council continues to plan for the long term provision of pools.
“This is evidenced through the completion of renovation works at Poowong Pool, development of detailed designs for improvements at Mirboo North pool and the preparation of a master plan for the Foster pool,” Mr Murphy said.

Pool competitors: from left, Ellie Newton, Phoebe Hinds and Georgia Hamilton enjoyed the Korumburra Outdoor Pool during the Interschool Swimming Carnival on Tuesday, February 20.

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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Mar 6 2018. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry