By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
OLINDA pool committee members braved the cold on Monday 27 July to celebrate the confirmation of an agreement to commence repair works on the pool.
Yarra Rangers mayor Maria McCarthy and Monbulk MP and Deputy Premier James Merlino were also in attendance to mark the occasion and show their support for the project.
Yarra Ranges Council facility operations manager Ron Pearce said they were hoping to have the pool ready to open for public use at the beginning of the swimming season.
“We’re hoping to have the project finished by the end of November, if the weather is kind to us,” he said.
The Olinda pool was closed two years ago due to cracks appearing in the ageing structure, among other reasons.
Yarra Ranges Council voted in favour in a council meeting in November last year to allocate a budget of $770,000 to repair the pool and upgrade facilities.
Monbulk MP James Merlino last year pledged $500,000 to assist with the pool repairs and construction of a precinct playground.
While the State Government has pledged money toward the rejuvenation the pool, only half of that will go towards the pool itself.
The remaining $250,000 will be put towards a playground that will link the pool area with the developing recreation precinct on the former Olinda Golf Course.
“It’s a once in a generation opportunity to give the community use of the recreation area 12 months a year,” Mr Merlino said.
Upgrades to the pool will include installation of a liner to the swimming pool to eliminate leaks, renewal of existing infrastructure, refurbishment of existing toilet and bathroom facilities and construction of a new accessible toilet for people with disabilities.
“We’re really happy with this commitment,” Pool Committee member Duncan Brown said.
The management of the pool after the upgrades will be transferred to community volunteers with council support.
