PENOLA water lovers can splash about for another four weeks as the town’s swimming lake will remain filled until April 26.
Rather than closing at the customary time of March 31, Wattle Range Council has rubber-stamped a staff recommendation to extend the season.
Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower confirmed yesterday the pool will remain open as long as circumstances permit.
“We will keep the pool open, but like all council facilities we expect the use to dry up pretty quick,” he said.
The extended opening season is expected to cost $8000 for water testing and chlorine while a similar sum has been earmarked for an identical extension at the Millicent pool.
However, the Nangwarry pool will close as usually scheduled at the end of this month.
There was no debate when the swimming season staff report was tabled at council’s monthly meeting.
The staff report said the extended season of the two facilities would take in the school holidays and Easter.
Staff said factors taken into consideration each year when planning the closure included the timing of holidays, along with usage and weather conditions.
“With the closure of the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre on February 29, Wattle Range Council officers have received an increase in enquiries for swimming lessons, swim club training and school swimming for the coming year,” the report said.
Penola swimming club coach Stuart Sharman said the extended season will benefit the wider community.
“For tourists and locals that are doing lap swimming they will certainly enjoy the extended season,” he said.
“I think ultimately if the pool is being used by the community and the weather is right, then we
should have the opening season as long as we can.”
Mr Sharman noted an increase of elderly users of the facility, which he attributed to the new heated pool.
“Both this year and last year we have seen some of our more senior citizens coming in and doing a few laps which was not previously happening because it was too cold,” he said.
“This alone is showing the need for the facility.”
“We put a lot of effort into getting the pool heated which gives us a better swimming environment on the colder edges of the season.”
Mr Sharman hoped the heated pool and extended season would prompt more community members to use the facility.
