Access for all

By Nicole Williams
THE Noble Park Pool project has received a grant that guarantees access for all.
The $100,000 grant will fund improved access to the pool facilities for people with disabilities.
The City of Greater Dandenong was successful in its application under the Federal Government’s $5 million Accessible Communities initiative for the More than Just a Pool – Access for All project.
The grant is in addition to $115,000 provided by the council.
Federal Member for Bruce Alan Griffin congratulated Greater Dandenong on the grant.
“It’s great to see Greater Dandenong wanting to do more to support people with a disability and create a more inclusive community,” Mr Griffin said.
“Providing better access to public buildings and community facilities such as this removes significant barriers for people with a disability accessing services and taking part in the community.”
The money will provide ramped entry into both the new 50-metre pool and indoor pool, special surfacing around the aquatic play area and a platform lift to improve accessibility to both pools.
Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades said the funding would transform the pool into a meeting place and community hub that was accessible for people of all abilities.
“The Noble Park Swim complex is more than just a pool – it is a space where people of all abilities can come together and participate in broader community activities,” Cr Blades said.
“The new Noble Park Pool complex will be a facility that the whole community and their families can enjoy.”
The new pool complex will be open in January 2012.