Construction has begun on a major upgrade to the outdoor pools at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre to transform the facility into a modern, accessible outdoor space for locals and visitors.
The improvements follow extensive community consultation. The upgrade includes:
- a new inclusive children’s pool with a curved beach entry and water play for families
- an accessible pathway from the entrance of the aquatic centre to the outdoor area
- a family friendly accessible toilet and change facilities
- an accessible ramp into the outdoor 50 metre pool
- upgrades to the edges and guttering (also known as a wet deck) around the main outdoor pool
- shade shelters, and
- repaired pool filtration and painting of the 50m pool.
The new inclusive children’s pool will be up to 60cm deep. There will be two accessible unisex family change rooms with toilet and shower facilities, as well as four outdoor open heated showers.
Blue Mountains City Council Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: “Pool users told us how important this space is when we undertook previous community consultation. This upgrade is an important step in being able to retain the pool for future use and ensure that our community has a modern accessible pool to use.
“COVID-19 has really brought home the importance of our public spaces. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and enjoyment of our community through enhanced public spaces, now and into the future.”
Construction will take approximately 12 months. The outdoor pool will be closed over the 2021/22 summer period, and will be ready for the following summer season of 2022/23.
Part of this project is funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal, and includes funding from Blue Mountains City Council. Improvements to the 50m pool at Katoomba Aquatic Centre will be funded by the Building Better Regions Fund.
Photo: An artist’s impression of the upgrade of Katoomba Aquatic Centre.
