LODDON communities value their swimming pools, according to early feedback in consultation on the shire’s new recreation, open space and aquatic strategy.
Mayor Gavan Holt said residents believed they provided a safe place for people to learn to swim and cool down “which is important in rural communities with riverways, farming channels and dams”.
He said consultation had also seen residents say key periods for pools to be open were before school for lap swimming and after schools so families can go there directly from school.
Research found communicating with the community about times pools are open and providing community events would encourage greater use of pools.
Other early findings from consultation include:
Providing nature-based recreation activities such as mountain biking, bouldering, bushwalking, canoeing and fishing would encourage residents and visitors to enjoy bushland and waterways;
Adults support the gyms, fitness stations and fitness sessions as ways of being fit and healthy in a supported way; 
There is support for more community events in open spaces, particularlyevents encouraging people to be active; 
Improving access and maintaining footpaths and trails are important to seniors in the community; and 
Children and young people want  diversity in their play experiences. They want to see more water play and nature play in playspaces, as well as active recreation experiences like pump tracks and junior bike skills tracks for riding.
Cr Holt said more than 170 adults, children and young people had participated in the six drop-in sessions held across the Shire, while 56 community  surveys and 30 sports club/association surveys were completed.
“There has been a great amount of community engagement around the ROSA so far, and I’d like everyone who took the opportunity to share their views,” he said.
A detailed report on community consultation is being prepared for council.