Council begins work on Frensham Pool intersection
With Frensham indoor swimming pool on track to be opened by the end of the year, former student and Wingecarribee Shire Councillor Juliet Arkwright couldn’t be happier.
“The school and its board are to be congratulated on turning this project into reality,” said Councillor Arkwright on a site inspection.
“On seeing the construction first-hand, it’s obvious a lot of preparation and hard work has already gone into the facility,” she said. “It is undoubtedly going to be a wonderful asset for our Shire.”
Approved by Council in June 2012, the Centenary Pool project was commissioned by the school in recognition of Frensham’s establishment in 1913.
Head of Frensham and Winifred West Schools, Julie Gillick said the indoor pool development was the largest single construction project undertaken by the school in its one hundred year history.
“We see this pool as offering enormous opportunities for us and the local community,” Ms Gillick said.
“Not only will it add to the quality of the school and provide greater opportunities for our students, but the wider community will also be able to enjoy the many benefits it will deliver when opened.”
Under a Voluntary Planning Agreement with the school, Council has contributed approximately $350,000 towards the construction of an intersection off Range Road to facilitate access to the pool.
Frensham have subsequently agreed to allow organised community activities to be made available at the indoor pool once opened including squad training, fitness classes, aqua-aerobics and water polo.
Once complete the indoor facility will boast a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, a dedicated Learn-to-Swim pool, a multi-purpose room for life-saving training and dry land fitness classes, showers and change rooms.
“Of all the facilities and programs the pool will feature, we’re particularly proud to be offering a Learn to Swim program,” Ms Gillick said.
“The benefit of teaching a young person skills that could save their life is immeasurable,” Ms Gillick said. “This is just one of the programs that will be available to the public.”
Whilst times and details are yet to be finalised, public access to the facility will be provided during the week and on weekends. The pool will also be made available to the public during school holidays.
Preliminary works currently being undertaken by Council at the Range Road entrance include the clearing of roadside vegetation and the relocation of services. Future works will include the removal of tree stumps, widening of the road and construction of a turning lane. Sealing of the road extension and line-marking will be the final tasks.
“As a former Frensham old girl, I’m proud as punch to see how this facility is progressing and wish the school the very best for its forthcoming opening,” Councillor Arkwright said.