Works to construct a new shade shelter and solar heating system have commenced at the Heathcote Swimming Pool and are expected to be completed by the end of June well in time for the 2019/2020 swimming season.
The solar project involves construction of a shelter over the toddler's pool and the installation of more solar panels to heat the main pool to provide a constant water temperature throughout the summer swimming season.
City of Greater Bendigo Active and Healthy Lifestyles Manager Lincoln Fitzgerald said the $170,000 project is a partnership between the City and the community who have contributed $98,000 towards the project.
"This is a fantastic project for Heathcote and the community has done an outstanding job to raise funding for the works to take place," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"After raising over $140,000 towards various improvement projects at the Heathcote Swimming Pool members of the Heathcote Community Pool Project Inc. are preparing to wind down their fundraising activities for the pool.
"The Heathcote Community Pool Project Inc. formed in 2005 and has six members. Members of the group include Heathcote locals Lyn Hough, Jenny Ryan, Julie Storck, Susan Turner, Faye Ager and Liz Spillane. The group also had two long term members, Merilyn Luscombe and Jan Roberts, who both passed away in recent years.
"The group has raised funds by holding an annual Oaks Day function at the Barrack Reserve Pavilion, raffles, silent auctions and sweeps. They have also been very successful in applying for various funding grants and funding opportunities for the pool.
"In 2011 the group raised $3,225 towards new lane ropes and in 2012 they raised $12,512 towards shade structures and $3,305 towards a new pool vacuum. In 2013 they raised $17,000 towards stage one of the pool's solar project and in 2018 they provided a further $98,000 towards stage two of the solar project.
"They also contributed over $1,000 towards aerobic equipment and have been very involved in activating the pool through water aerobics.
"The City of Greater Bendigo congratulates all members of the Heathcote Community Pool Project Inc. for their amazing dedication and fundraising efforts towards projects at the Heathcote Swimming Pool."
In addition to the solar project the City of Greater Bendigo plans to undertake a range of other improvement works between May and September at the pool including:-
• Replacement of concourse around the main and toddler pool
• Removal of fencing and installation of seating next to the toddler pool
• Installation of new ladders with flat steps
• Replacement of upstands and wet deck
