Safety upgrades are being completed across City of Newcastle’s network of five inland pools as swimmers prepare to return to the water for the summer season.
Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre will reopen its doors to the keenest swimmers in the community on 17 August, while Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield will make a splash for summer from 26 September.
City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation and former Commonwealth Games medallist Donna McGovern said the winter closure provided an important annual period for essential maintenance activity.
“We know how much our community values our inland pools as hubs of recreation, connection and education,” Ms McGovern said.
“This is why we make the most of the winter closure each year to undertake a comprehensive program of essential work across all five pools.
“Our teams carry out safety upgrades, freshen up the painted surfaces including non-slip areas, service plant and equipment, undertake plumbing repairs and complete pool tile and promenade maintenance.
“This ensures we can continue to provide safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities, and enhance the longevity of these ageing community assets.”
Additional work is completed depending on the needs of each pool, including a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, while playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield will keep the kids safe and happy when they’re out of the water.
Wallsend’s 50m pool is being emptied this week to repair floor tiles and replace expansion joints. A detailed inspection of the empty pool shell will be completed, while pipe fittings will be replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.
Guttering repairs and security improvements will also be carried out at Wallsend, while Stockton’s bench seating will be replaced to ensure greater visitor comfort.
