Ararat Fitness Centre toddler pool to be repaired

Repairs to the toddler pool at the Ararat Fitness Centre will start on Monday after extensive investigations to pinpoint how to fix the issue.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said he was pleased to inform the community the pool would be repaired and reopened as soon as possible.

Dr Harrison said the problem had taken a while to solve due to the technical nature of the issue.

He said that after an initial assessment, Council engineers commissioned an external report to assess underlying infrastructure and this identified the problem and the repairs needed.

“The problem has been a tough one to solve and took a lot of expertise, and the repairs themselves will be quite tricky,” he said.

“We appreciate that it’s been a long and disruptive time for little ones and their parents wanting to use the pool, and we apologise for the delay.”

Dr Harrison said that repairs to the existing structure was the only feasible option at this stage.

“These repairs are going to keep the toddler pool going for a few more years but we know we have to have some really good conversations with the community to make sure the facility can service the region into the future.”

The pool repairs will be done by Bendigo Aquatics and while there may be some noise and dust, it is not anticipated to impact on indoor pool classes. The repairs should be completed within two weeks.

This year Council will be planning for future infrastructure improvements at the centre so it can apply for funding for upgrades. Consultations will be held in the second half of the year to look at all areas of the centre including the indoor pool.