Key Takeaways:
- Public pools in Canberra are under threat due to aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance, with several pools facing closure or redevelopment.
- The city’s public pools serve as a social hub, providing a space for recreation, fitness, and community connection.
- The average age of a well-built pool is 50 years, and Canberra’s pools are not being kept up, leading to a shortage of public pool facilities.
- The lack of public pools poses a risk to water safety, as children may not have access to pools to learn how to swim.
- The city’s growing population and demand for public pools require urgent attention and investment in pool infrastructure.
Introduction to the Issue
Alan Vogt has a deep affection for swimming in public pools, which dates back to his childhood. As a former lifeguard and sports studies graduate, Vogt understands the importance of public pools in the community. He believes that public pools are a fundamental pillar of community, serving as a social hub, a place to relax, and a space for fitness and recreation. However, Vogt is concerned that these facilities are under threat in Canberra, with several pools facing closure or redevelopment. The recent announcements about the future of beloved water spots, such as the Phillip Pool and Big Splash, have raised concerns about the availability of public pools in the city.
The State of Public Pools in Canberra
The Friends of Manuka Pool (FoMP), a community group formed in 2016, shares Vogt’s concerns. According to Caroline Luke-Evered, the president of FoMP, the average age of a well-built pool is 50 years, and Canberra’s pools are not being kept up. This has resulted in a shortage of public pool facilities, with many pools aging and falling apart. Luke-Evered believes that the city’s public pools require urgent attention, as the lack of maintenance and investment in pool infrastructure poses a risk to water safety and community wellbeing. The city’s growing population and demand for public pools only exacerbate the issue, with Vogt warning that the city needs to build more pool infrastructure to keep up with the predicted population growth.
Water Safety and Growing Demand
A report from Royal Life Saving Australia highlights the importance of public pools in Canberra, with the city ranking fourth among capital cities in terms of public pool access. However, despite this, Luke-Evered is concerned that children may not have enough access to pools to learn water safety. The city’s public pools are essential for community social connection, health, and wellbeing, and water safety, yet governments do not seem to prioritize aquatic facilities. The lack of public pools also poses a risk to the city’s sporting community, with many teams relying on these facilities for training and competition. For example, the underwater rugby team, which plays in a deep pool, is struggling to find alternative training spaces, and the closure of Civic Pool would be devastating for the team.
The Impact on the Sporting Community
Nicolette Marks, who plays underwater rugby in Canberra, is among those who are lobbying for the Civic Pool to remain open. The pool’s unique depth makes it the only facility in the city that can accommodate the sport, and its closure would be a significant blow to the team. Marks believes that the city should prioritize the needs of its sporting community, providing facilities that cater to their needs. The team has met with Senator David Pocock, alongside representatives from local diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming teams, to advocate for the pool’s retention. The city’s sporting community is not just fighting for the retention of Civic Pool but also for a commitment to provide more public pool facilities to meet the growing demand.
The Need for Urgent Action
The city’s public pools are not just a luxury but a necessity, providing a space for recreation, fitness, and community connection. The lack of public pools poses a risk to water safety, and the city’s growing population and demand for public pools require urgent attention and investment in pool infrastructure. The community is calling for a commitment to provide more public pool facilities, with Vogt warning that the city needs to build more pool infrastructure to keep up with the predicted population growth. The city’s sporting community is also advocating for the retention of existing facilities, such as Civic Pool, which provides a unique space for sports like underwater rugby. Ultimately, the city needs to prioritize the needs of its community, providing public pools that cater to their needs and ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of its citizens.