Cessnock and Branxton pools could open for the summer this Saturday after the NSW Health gave councils and businesses across the state the green light to submit their reopening plans.
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Cessnock City Council has lodged its COVID-safe plan with an aim to launch the outdoor swim season on October 2 - pending state government approval.
The pools will be open to lap swimmers only, with recreational swimming and swimming clubs to resume after the statewide lockdown is fully lifted.
While pool patrons won't be required to be vaccinated, admission will be session based to allow for regular cleaning and visitors will need to book ahead of time.
Patrons will not be permitted to congregate in groups of more than five people if fully vaccinated or two people if partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Communal seating will be restricted, the use of communal facilities will be staggered and visitors will be encouraged to shower and change at home.
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Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said the reopening of pools was a step in the right direction.
"Our community deserves to enjoy the upcoming summer after a very tough couple of years. This is why we're taking all the necessary steps to ensure we can open our pool facilities as soon as possible," he said.
Council's general manager, Lotta Jackson echoed the mayor's sentiment and stressed the importance of a COVID-safe reopening.
"We've welcomed the State Government's recent announcement and very much look forward to seeing our community emerge from lockdown this summer. It's also important that we do our due diligence to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff," she said.
Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre remains closed, with indoor pools not permitted to reopen until the last phase of the roadmap kicks in on December 1. This is despite other indoor recreation facilities being allowed to open (with capacity limits) when the state reaches 70 per cent double-vaccination, which is expected on October 11.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 has impacted the delivery of the Cessnock Pool splash pad project, which was due for completion by the time the pool opened this summer.
Works are underway to segregate the construction zone from the active pool space before the pool opens for the season.
Some works are to be completed by specialised contractors based in Sydney, and therefore cannot be progressed until restrictions ease, while the splash toys (including a tipping bucket, slide and sprays) have been held up at the docks in Sydney.
Cr Pynsent said while council wanted to deliver the splash pad in time for the upcoming pool season, COVID-19 has posed significant logistical challenges.
"The splash pad is going to be a wonderful addition to Cessnock Pool and while, unfortunately, it won't be open in time for the start of the 2021/22 pool season, the team are working towards getting it completed for the community to enjoy as soon as possible," he said.
"We will continue to update the community on the progress of this exciting project as more information comes to hand."
CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story said indoor recreation facilities are poised to reopen on October 11. This does not include indoor pools.