AN upgrade of Pines Forest Aquatic Centre would mean more access to swimming lessons and reduce the risk of kids drowning, the Frankston mayor says.
The mayor Nathan Conroy said last week that drownings in Victoria this year are the highest in two decades, and that making swimming lessons more accessible would help to make the water a safer place.
“Swimming lessons have multiple benefits and provide foundation skills for children to get into other activities such as surfing, fishing and boating which is particularly important given Frankston’s location right on Port Phillip Bay,” he said. “Young children are particularly at risk and that’s why we need to ensure residents have easy access to swimming lessons, especially around Frankston North.”
Cr Conroy said that a recent survey conducted by council found that “52 per cent of respondents felt the current opening dates [at Pines Pool] from November to March are too short and 27 per cent think opening hours for the centre should be longer. To achieve this, we need to look at updating pool infrastructure including heating as well as modern amenities such as shelters and changing rooms.
“Many people have a strong sense of nostalgia for their local municipal pool, and Pines is one of those special places. People learnt to swim here, they bring their children here, they come down for a free Family Fun Friday or for early morning lap swim and they use it as a place to connect with their mates and family. To continue to cater to this growing demand and ensure our children are safe around water, we need the support of the federal and state governments to help us redevelop the site for a bigger, better Pines Pool – one with more capacity and better facilities, fit for the community.”
Frankston Council is contributing $10.3 million in ratepayer funding to the $31 million redevelopment of Pines Forest Aquatic Centre at Monterey Reserve. It is seeking funding from the state and federal governments heading into this year’s elections.
The master plan for the pool redevelopment includes the construction of an eight lane 50 metre lap pool, a dedicated learn to swim pool, outdoor gym equipment, an upgraded playground, a toddler pool, and a play area with waterslides.