However, it could have a distinct new look and function.

Any proposed changes to the facility would be with approval from residents and users and following extensive community consultation process.

The swimming pool will form part of the planned Tuncurry Recreation Precinct taking in Point Road boat ramp and jetty, Tuncurry skate park, Fazio Park, Lone Pine Park and John Wright Park (pedestrian linkage under the Forster Tuncurry bridge.

“We want to ask the community what they want,” MidCoast Council community spaces recreation and trades manager, Dan Aldridge said.

“We want to acknowledge the area; to turn it into a recreation precinct, but at the same time not replicate facilities at Forster,” Mr Aldridge said.

Mr Aldridge said Forster was viewed as the passive area; an area to enjoy, sit-down and relax, while Tuncurry would be an active area.

In a report tabled at this week’s June 28 council meeting, recreation co-ordinator, Kerrie Simmons said while the value of the Tuncurry pool to the community was  acknowledged it should not stop the exploration of other uses for the site.

One of these options was to convert the facility into a wet play area, she said.

Ms Simmons believed a water park would have greater use for the community and fill a recreational gap in the provision of family based water activity accessible to all members of the community.

“A water park allows for active wet play without a parent or care giver having to enter the water with the child,” she said.

“The wet play also accommodates older children and those who are young at heart.”

Ms Simmons sited the small wet play facility at the Nabiac swimming pool, which had proven popular with the community since it was opened.

Improvements to the recreation precinct would include barbecues, additional trees, outdoor settings and an upgrade of existing amenities, 

Council will engage in a comprehensive community engagement process from late June until August speaking with families, children, older residents, local business, visitors and nearby residents. 

“We want to make sure we are making the right investment by asking the community what they want,” Mr Aldridge said.

Opened in the early 1970s from funds raised by the community, the 17 metre pool costs approximately $70,000 of ratepayers’ money to run the free facility annually.

Depending on weather conditions at local beaches or nearby ocean baths/swimming pools, the pool attracts more than 20-30 users a day during the five month swimming season.

Mr Aldridge said costs could drop to as little as $10,000 and would be open for 12 months.

According to Ms Simmons, council has considered closing Tuncurry pool on a number of occasions.

However, it has not considered whether an alternative use of the facility could be accommodated that encompasses water play, she said.

“In this regard it is imported to note that history indicates that a section of community desperately want to keep the facility open are of the view that there are no other comparable facilities in the locality.”

Within a 2.3km drive swimming facilities are located at the Tuncurry Rock Pool, Forster Ocean Baths (Bull Ring), Little Street Baths, Forster and the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre, Forster.