The Casey community is invited to have their say on the future redevelopment of the Doveton Pool in the Park (DPIP) site and how it can best serve the community in the future.
At the Council Meeting on 16 March, Council noted the findings from key assessments that indicated an aquatic facility may not be a priority at this site, but that there is a need for more open space and a district park within the Doveton-Eumemmering area.
The assessments included data on visitation numbers, seasonal use, the inability to offer aquatic programs such as learn to swim or warm water therapy, the age of the facility and operational and maintenance costs.
For these reasons, Council said the time was right to evaluate the currently facility and consider options for its future taking into account local needs, Council's financial obligations and the interests of Casey's community as a whole.
Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said the consultation process, which will run for seven weeks, is an opportunity for the community to provide their ideas and review concept plans that provide an alternative vision for the site.
"The seasonal nature of the facility, its age and the significant cost of any future upgrades means a masterplan, created in consultation with the local community is necessary to determine how this site can best serve Casey residents now and in the future," Ms Duff said.
"We acknowledge that there is a great deal of nostalgia associated with the pool, however we also know that a significant financial investment will be required at this site over the next few years. Therefore, it is important that we consider how the facility is being used today and what will bring the greatest benefit to the entire Casey community in the years to come."
As the facility is 53 years old, a Heritage Assessment was commissioned for the site, and expert heritage advice will be sought to ensure any proposed redevelopment is respectful of the site's heritage.
As part of the Casey Aquatic Facilities Strategy 2019-41, Council began looking at future options for the site and several stages of the project have already been completed, including initial community engagement conducted in October 2019, the Doveton Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment, Aquatic Facility Demand Analysis, Heritage Assessment, Open Space Assessment and site feature survey.
