Outdoor pools opening for warmer weather

Our Blue Mountains Leisure Centres are gearing up for the Spring/Summer season.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: “It’s business as usual at our swim centres this season with all pools open for the community to enjoy.

“This includes Katoomba’s 50m outdoor pool and the leisure and toddlers’ pools at Blackheath, after the Council considered alternative options to retain these pools in response to the high level of community interest and feedback.”

The outdoor pools at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre will open one week earlier than normal – on Saturday, 29 September – just in time for the school holidays. 

Lawson Swim Centre will open one week later on Saturday, 6 October. This is one week later than planned due to a delay in the delivery of the new water pump.

Meanwhile, Glenbrook Swim Centre has extended hours from 1 October (weekdays from 5.30am to 7pm, weekends from 8am to 7pm, and public holidays from 8am to 6pm). Blackheath Pool will also open as usual on Saturday, 3 November.

The Mayor said that Lawson Pool has undergone major maintenance and an upgrade over the past two winter seasons. 

“This includes the replacement of flood lighting, a new filtration plant for the two smaller pools, renewal of pipework, as well as an upgrade of the 50m pool filter,” he said.

“This Spring/Summer season, Lawson Pool will also be converted to an outdoor living room – complete with sun lounges and umbrellas. There’s also a fun, new spray feature in the toddlers’ pool.”

The season kicks off at Lawson Swim Centre with a FREE open day on 6 October.

“We’ll not only be offering free entry from 10am to 2pm, but free aqua aerobics from 9.30am to 10.30am, at the open day,” Cr Greenhill said.

Summer membership for Lawson Swim Centre will run from the 6 October until 7 April and will include access to the outdoor pools at the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, Blackheath Pool and Glenbrook Swim Centre.

In other Leisure Centre news, Springwood Aquatic & Fitness Centre is currently getting its spa, sauna and steam room refurbished. This is due to be completed on Monday, 24 September. Last season, a new hoist was also installed at the centre to improve accessibility.

Council has nominated Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre as one of six key projects for up to $15 million of funding under the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program. If the nomination is successful, Council plans to add an inclusive program pool (with beach entry and graduating depth to 0.9m), and associated water play features, at Katoomba’s outdoor pool precinct. Funding would also cover new family change rooms and outdoor showers adjoining the children’s pool and an accessible path linking the indoor centre to the outdoor pool area. The 50m pool would be retained. There would also be improved stepped seating in the grassed embankments, together with wind protection and shading. 

The Adam Crouch Foundation is providing discounted Learn to Swim lessons in the School Holiday Intensives, at the Glenbrook, Springwood and Katoomba centres in the second week of the September/October school holidays. This is part of the Foundation’s goal to provide ongoing community education, awareness and advocacy to Save Previous Lives from Drowning. Book now.

Go to www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/LeisureCentres for more information on our Leisure Centres, including opening hours and contact details.

Photo caption: A toddler enjoying the new spray feature at Lawson Swim Centre.