Warming to pool

By Bridget Cook
A NEW warm water indoor pool will be included in the redevelopment of the Noble Park Swim Centre.
At Monday night’s council meeting, the Greater Dandenong Council approved a variation to its Noble Park ‘More than Just a Pool’ Project contract, allowing the indoor heated pool to be constructed.
It follows a commitment by the State Government to provide $1 million in funding to complete stage two of the project.
In October, the Dandenong Star launched the ‘Splash for Cash’ campaign in conjunction with the City of Greater Dandenong, asking for the State Government to provide funding so the project could stay afloat.
The council was calling on the State Government for the $1 million for the indoor warm water pool component, which the State Government committed to doing.
Stage two of the project will cost $4 million, with council to fund the remaining $3 million.
The indoor pool will now be constructed in addition to a 50-metre outdoor pool, new water play areas for children and youth, multi-purpose community spaces, new barbecue and picnic areas and shading.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Councillor Roz Blades welcomed the additional works, which will also see the existing 50-metre pool converted into rainwater storage.
“This is great news for the community on a number of levels,” she said.
“Surveys and focus groups have repeatedly shown us that our residents really wanted an indoor swimming pool, and we’re really excited to be able to make that a reality.”
Cr Blades said having the option of an indoor and outdoor pool would ensure the Noble Park Swim Centre was accessible to more people.
“Children, older people and those with limited mobility will really benefit from the indoor pool,” she said.
The Noble Park “More than Just a Pool” project is a vital part of council’s ongoing commitment to the redevelopment of Noble Park, which includes streetscape works, open space development and improved access to public transport.