Petersham pool swimming season to be extended

Inner West Council will trial an extended swimming season at Petersham pool (Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre).

Council decided to extend the swim season at its Council meeting on Tuesday night after receiving a petition from locals.

The iconic outdoor pool will keep its doors open to the public for another month, rescheduling its end-of-season closing date to 30 April.

“The people spoke, and we listened,” said Administrator of Inner West Council Richard Pearson.

Lewisham resident and keen pool user Fran Jelley organised the petition. “I was constantly hearing other users complaining about the closing date, so I decided to really put some effort into yet another petition by talking to people and asking for their opinions,” she said.

“We’re all very happy and pleased with the outcome – it’s great that someone actually took some notice! We understand this is just a trial but we hope our opinion is vindicated,” she said.

“Council met with Fran, and she told us that the pool was growing in popularity and was a popular spot with picnicking families on weekends, with mums and small children on weekdays, and with locals using the aqua aerobic classes or just doing laps.

“She also added that if the season wasn’t extended, the pool would be closed for the upcoming school holidays,” Mr Pearson said.

“It was a pretty compelling argument that she had backed up with 804 signatures,” Mr Pearson said.

Belgravia Leisure manage Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre for Council. Their NSW State Manager, James Ellender said, “We are delighted by the community’s strong desire to keep swimming and stay active.

“Lap lanes and recreational swimming will continue to be available during regular opening hours, as well as the kids’ splash park and toddler pool,” he said.

The extension is a trial only at this stage. The pool will now close on Sunday 30 April 2017. Council and Belgravia will assess the success of the trial before committing to any permanent extended swimming season.