General News
15 September, 2024
Pools should come ‘before profits’ - readers
COMMUNITY conversations have been ignited with the release of Loddon Shire’s draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy. Loddon Herald readers have been among the first to express views, many calling for the retention of the shire’s five...
COMMUNITY conversations have been ignited with the release of Loddon Shire’s draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy.
Loddon Herald readers have been among the first to express views, many calling for the retention of the shire’s five swimming pools at Boort, Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.
Bridgewater’s Jill Hobbs says the future of pools should not be about profit.
“I learnt to swim in Inglewood’s pool. I taught numerous children to swim in Inglewood’s pool. It was built by the Inglewood community ... yes men (and) horses, shovels,” she said.
“A vital part of a small community and ‘the pool’ also serves a much wider community in the neighbouring towns and rural areas.
“There are some things in life that shouldn’t be based solely on profit. The swimming pool is one of these. If there’s money to be spent on aesthetics then there’s money to maintain pools,” she said.
Former Korong Shire president Helen Leech has also joined the conversation.
“I also taught many children to swim in the Inglewood pool, from babies to bronze. Whether it was cold or hot.
“It was fantastic when my dad Cr Bill Needs had the foresight to push for solar for the pool, using the roof of the football pavilion. Sad to see that has been gone for a few years.
“We never had lifeguards and we never had any drownings. The odd cracked tooth, or slip on the concrete. That was when everyone took responsibility for themselves and their children.”
Feedback on the draft strategy closes on Sunday.