Hold on to your goggles because Cessnock Pool is set to reopen this Saturday, and this summer swimmers will be able to enter for free on Sundays.
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The free entry on Sundays trial kicks off on the first Sunday in the Christmas school holidays and will run until the last Sunday in February. It will be available at both Cessnock and Branxton outdoor pools.
The initiative comes from a motion raised by councillor Di Fitzgibbon at the September 6 council meeting.
Cr Fitzgibbon said she regularly drove past the pool and wondered why people weren’t using it on hot days.
“When we were younger the pool was standing room only,” she said.
She acknowledged times had changed – more homes now have airconditioning and their own backyard pools.
But she said the initiative was a great way to encourage people to use the pool and make healthy lifestyle choices.
“It’s hard to beat a swim outside in fresh air,” she said.
“This trial is one way of promoting both Cessnock and Branxton outdoor pools as fantastic recreational facilities.
“At my house with this opportunity I’d be going ‘come on kids, turn that off, put your swimmers on, I’ve got the fruit, water, sunscreen and towels, we’re going for a swim’.
“We call on all residents to make the most of this great council initiative.”
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said he looked forward to seeing local families enjoying quality time at the pools this summer.
“The pools are a place for residents to not only spend time together, but have fun, enjoy the outdoors and most importantly be active,” he said.
As part of the trial, from 10am until close, residents can access the pools free of charge and enjoy some relief from what is expected to be a very hot summer.
Council is investigating the opportunity to offer the trial at Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre, which is operated by Belgravia Leisure.
The outdoor pools will also be open for longer hours during extreme heat. On the occasions where council determine extended hours the community will be made aware via social media and other appropriate channels.