Wingecarribee Shire Council is inviting residents to celebrate the official re-opening of the Mittagong Swimming Pool with a free open day this Saturday, January 19.
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The popular pool was closed following the East Coast Low Storm event which lashed the Shire in June 2016 and resulted in major structural damage to both the Learn to Swim and 50 metre pools.
Councillors unanimously resolved to start rebuilding the pool later that same year.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair said that major repairs were necessary to save the pool.
“Mittagong Swimming Pool is not only the Shire’s oldest public swimming pool but arguably one of the prettiest,” he said.
“It contains a wealth of history and natural beauty.”
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Records indicate that the site of the pool was used for recreational swimming as early as the mid-1870’s before being officially opened in 1931. In 1959 the baths were converted to an Olympic-size pool.
“A major challenge Council faced when repairing the pool was how to manage the structure that was built on the bed of the Nattai River by our forefathers almost 90 years ago,” he said.
“This will no doubt remain an ongoing challenge during future floods and heavy rain but we’re better prepared than ever before.”
“Council has done a wonderful job in rebuilding and protecting the legacy of this much-loved site.”
As part of the overhaul both floors in the 50 metre and Learn to Swim pool were replaced with 300mm thick reinforced concrete and anchored to the underlying bedrock with concrete piers.
Other actions included repairs to the tiling, gutter modifications and replacement of the entry and exit ladders.
A new barrier was also constructed between the water toys and Learn to Swim pool.
“These repairs have not only improved the facilities structural integrity but have helped to extend the life and preserve the history of this wonderful pool,” Councillor Gair added.
“I congratulate the contractors and staff of Council who worked to overcome significant engineering challenges to deliver this fabulous result and help breathe fresh life into one of our Shire’s crowning jewels.”
“I also thank our residents for the patience they have shown while we undertook these essential repairs.”
The official re-opening will take place on Saturday, January 19 from 8.30am to 6pm.
Celebrations include free entry, face painting, a petting zoo, the inflatable pool toy and live music.
For a full program of events visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/events or contact council on phone 4868 0888.
Mittagong Swimming Pool is located on Hawkins Drive in Mittagong.
