It's out with the old and in with the new as MidCoast Council prepares to decommission the Tuncurry swimming pool to make way for a water park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Work will begin next week to make way for a water play space.
The 17-metre Tuncurry pool, built in 1972, is near the end of its usable life due to ongoing operational and safety concerns.
Related: Tuncurry pool entering a new era
During coming months MidCoast Council plans to talk with community members to generate ideas for the site, which is located within a recreational and leisure precinct with existing children's playgrounds, skate park, Wallis Lake foreshore and local businesses.
This makes it ideal for repurposing for a children's water play space, MidCoast Council community spaces, recreation and trades manager, Dan Aldridge said.
Forster Tuncurry doesn't have a dedicated children's water park, which are extremely popular facilities in many other locations.
- Dan Aldridge
"Forster Tuncurry doesn't have a dedicated children's water park, which are extremely popular facilities in many other locations," Mr Aldridge said.
"The community has seen the potential for both local children and visitors to enjoy a facility that isn't already provided elsewhere in the area."
Extensive community consultation was conducted on the future use of the site in 2017, in which more than 80 per cent of people supported the proposal to convert the site to a children's water park.
"We're looking forward to the next stage of consultation, where we'll be asking families, carers and most importantly, children, to help shape the plans for the water play space," Mr Aldridge said.
In the meantime, work will begin soon to drain the old pool and remove signage from the site.
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Great Lakes Advocate. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.