MILLICENT Swimming Lake could host an annual community “pool party” in a proposal floated by Wattle Range Council.
Following the success of the recent 50th anniversary celebrations, council environmental services manager Lauren Oxlade, the officer who has direct responsibility for the lake, hinted at a potential annual event.
Ms Oxlade said there had been discussions with the 12 elected members who want the facility to remain free and accessible to the wider community.
“I am proud to look after an amazing lake,” Ms Oxlade said.
“We are looking to make the sand volleyball court a permanent fixture.
“Due to the success of the 50th birthday celebration, we may make it an annual event.”
In the wake of the large celebration, locals and tourists alike were happy to share their views on the importance of the lake with The South Eastern Times.
For retired Millicent lawyer Robin Watts, a swim with his wife Judy in its cool waters every morning is a high point of each day.
“There are six swimmers who come here each morning,” Mr Watts said.
Millicent resident Neil Turner has also had a connection with the lake for half a century as his late father Bevon was one of the original committee members.
“I spent heaps of time in my youth at the lake,” Mr Turner said.
“I was never allowed to go on the big diving board.
“I remember going out on the lake in Phil Abbott’s dingy and throwing out cakes of copper sulphate for the water quality.”
There was one main food consumed in the childhood of fellow Millicent resident Heidi Jewell.
“We would always have hot chips from the shop,” Ms Jewell said.
“I took all of my swimming lessons here.
“I was never allowed to jump off the middle platform.”
According to Millicent resident Tracy Pratt, she would come to the lake every summer in her youth.
“The swimming lessons were very popular,” she said,
“We lived on a farm and we would always have the last lesson of the day.
“This would give us extra time in the water.”
Michelle Pimentel has a young family and regularly brings them to the man-made lake.
“Just being here brings back memories,” she said.
“I remember playing about in the toddler pool but it was filled in many years ago.”
