Currently celebrating its 50th year in use, the Forbes Heated Pool is in need of upgrades to extend its operating life according to its management committee.
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Started in the 1960’s by a group of independent swimming and gymnastic enthusiasts, the pool supports a variety of community members and groups with 252 key holders and 722 individual users.
David Hodder, President of the Management Team, said a variety of community groups from other towns including Bedgerabong and Condobolin use the pool for general fitness, rehabilitation and leisure.
Mr Hodder said the pool’s management team is now focused on extending and improving the life of the facility in a two part plan, which will see an upgrade of the amenities and change room facilities along with general maintenance.
“After so many years servicing the membership base, it’s time to make the facility a bit more user friendly and encourage other aqua enthusiasts to join in,” he said.
As part of this plan, Forbes Shire Council has engaged a structural engineer to assess the condition of the building.
Mr Hodder said once the assessment of the building is complete, the management committee will be in a position to apply for government grants to help with funding the improvements.
On Wednesday Member for Orange Philip Donato went to the heated pool to talk with members of the Management Team about the plans for improving the facility.
Mr Donato said he is happy to support the plans to extend the life of and improve the heated pool as it benefits the whole community.
The second part of their plan, said Mr Hodder, is the long term goal of building a new, larger indoor aquatic centre to cater for the needs of the community.
Mr Hodder said they were fortunate to have Mr Donato come to Forbes to meet with the team and raise local and State government awareness of the importance of a year round facility to the community.
Mr Hodder said the meeting with Mr Donato gave them some direction for funding opportunities.