AFTER almost 30 years in the planning, the opening of Nabiac’s longed for pool is going to come down to the weather.
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Its December 22 deadline is fast approaching and although the bulk of the main work has been done, there are a multitude of finishing touches that are awaiting completion. The desperately needed rain has delayed the pouring of some last minute concrete and the volunteer workforce standing by in the wings to do that last tidy up has been stood down, to await the call that ‘its time’.
“We will be seriously cutting it fine,” Rebecca Harper, president of the pool committee said. “But if you’d told me a week ago that we might not make the deadline, I would have been gutted. At least now we have done everything we could – you just can’t help the weather.”
Fortunately, the weather held off for last week’s weather contingent pebblecreting and subsequent filling of the pool. Nabiac residents were put on alert for possible low pressure in their taps as 330 000 litres of water was diverted into the main pool, marking an important milestone in its construction.
Apart from the weather, a few unexpected obstructions have added to the suspense surrounding the pool’s delivery, particularly with the soil quality under the driveway.
The substantial extra cost incurred by having to bring in tonnes of high quality fill to conform to regulations was relieved thanks to the unexpected generosity of not only PBM Asphalt but the truck driver who delivered it.
At a cost of several tens of thousands of dollars, PBM Ashpalt have donated much of the fill, with its delivery costs kindly donated by the driver who got it there.
Another last minute Christmas gift unexpectedly arrived from the pool company responsible for building it. Plans to feature a large wet area for toddlers to frolic in were taken to a new level of engagement with Azure Pools donating a $15, 000 gift of the Mercedes Benz version of accessories to complement the play area.
“So much generosity has come from individuals and companies to help get this pool built,” Ms Harper said.
In the meantime, plans are on track for delivery by Great Lakes Council of two compulsory manuals to accompany the management of Nabiac’s new community asset. Ms Harper was full of praise for council’s role over the past 15 months in helping get the pool to this point.
“In particular Kerrie Simmons, the Great Lakes Council’s recreation service coordinator, has been fantastic. We couldn’t have got to this point without her,” Ms Harper said.
Needless to say, as the rain falls and the pastures green up, Nabiac residents are holding their breath, swim suits and towels in hand, watching the days tick past with a sense of urgency and excitement.
As the pool committee’s president commented, it certainly makes for an exciting run to the finish line.