A push to develop a public swimming pool in the Pacific Palms area has received an overwhelmingly positive response following a survey undertaken by local resident, David Vicary.
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In just four days, and following a single Facebook post, more than 280 residents responded to the survey to gauge the public's opinion of a proposed Pacific Palms Aquatic Centre.
Mr Vicary, who is pushing for the facility with support also from the Pacific Palms Community Association, envisioned an outdoor 25 metre pool, a small water park with space for change rooms, gym and cafe with Smith Lakes skate park the preferred site.
The Smiths Lake facility also has netball/basketball/tennis courts.
"We could make this a recreational facility or multipurpose sporting area; 40 per cent who did the survey came from Smiths Lake," Mr Vicary said.
He said the skate park - which was run down and would need modification - was the only viable council owned site
While the area has a number of ocean pools, these weren't always suitable for lap swimming or swimming lessons, Mr Vicary said.
We could make this a recreational facility or multipurpose sporting area; 40 per cent who did the survey came from Smiths Lake.
- David Vicary
Just like many Pacific Palms residents, Mr Vicary's family regularly take the half hour plus trip to Forster for learn to swim, squads or a leisurely swim.
"Swimming lessons (currently) are only available in Forster."
The survey also identified the majority of respondents supported a fee structure if the facility supported a number of sporting options.
"This would mean tourists could contribute to costs."
MidCoast Council estimated on-going costs to maintain the centre would be approximately $200,000 annually or $55/year per resident, Mr Vicary said.
"Council has no objections to the project at this point.
"They will be doing a recreational facilities review which is due on July 1, 2021; the review is required before any other action can be taken.
"The touch point will be June 30."
Mr Vicary said both State and Federal members, Stephen Bromhead and David Gillespie, supported the concept and indicated they would help source government funding.
MidCoast Council community spaces recreation and trades manager, Dan Aldridge confirmed this project formed part of this year's operational planning.
"We are engaging a consultant to do a recreational needs analysis then we would be in a position to determine what facilities we need across the Mid Coast," Mr Aldridge said.
Mr Aldridge said when and if this project was approved council would engaged in a community consultation process.
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