Improvements worth almost $140,000 have been revealed at Uralla Swimming Pool ahead of summer.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Uralla Shire Mayor Michael Pearce fired the starting gun on the 2021-22 swim season last weekend, using the town pool's first day of operation to officially open its new amenities and public address system.
Mr Marshall said the latest improvements had made the pool more accessible and enhanced its ability to cater for competition swim events.
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"Nothing feels better in the heat of summer than pulling on the togs and being able to dive into a refreshing pool," Mr Marshall said.
"With the new accessible amenities and change room complete residents with a disability and the elderly will be able to enjoy that experience with confidence and comfort."
The Uralla Swimming Pool accessibility improvements are to ensure the community amenities and the pool are accessible to residents and visitors of all abilities, including those with disabilities, short and long-term injuries affecting their mobility, the young and elderly, and parents with prams.
Secondly, the improvements will meet current design requirements outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 and Australian Standards. Thirdly, the modification or replacement of the Community Amenities Building with accessible bathrooms, change rooms and a canteen.
"For many small children the local pool is the first place they learn to swim and the adjustments to the change rooms will make it easier for parents with prams to get their kids prepared for swim and survive lessons," Mr Marshall said.
"While last year was a bit quieter due to COVID-19, the pool usually sees more than 10,000 people through the gate each season, which is incredible for a shire of just over 6000 people.
"I anticipate the season ahead will be huge and look forward to hearing how the community has embraced these new amenities."
In 2019 Uralla Shire Council received a $274,471 Stronger Country Communities Grant to repair the lining of the pool and enhance the grounds.
Mayor Michael Pearce said the swimming pool is a very popular place to be in the warmer months, especially for families and youth.
"With the new accessible toilet and family change room, Uralla Swimming Pool can now be enjoyed by a wider cross section of our community," Cr Pearce said.
"The project has been informed by a community survey which placed upgrades to the toilet block and canteen at the top of the list.
"In addition we have also installed two PA systems and a new timer for competition swimming.
"One PA will be used to communicate information with users of the pool - no running, that kind of thing! It's important for safety.
"The other will really come into its own for events, such as school swimming carnivals. It will be portable so can be used for events on other sites as well.
"I am very proud of the Uralla swimming pool and all the work council staff have put in to making it a friendly, safe and accessible facility for all to enjoy."
The project was funded using an $115,000 State Government Stronger Country Communities Grant and $22,500 Drought Stimulus Package.
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