IT'S been a minute since anyone has pushed through the turnstiles at Tamworth Olympic Pool.
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Six-figure renovations and a few more sprinkles of rain could see the once defunct pool in the CBD reopened as soon as October, as Tamworth Regional Council prepares for a busy swim season.
Closed for months due to the drought, conjecture on the pool's future has been off the deep end since it was noticeably absent from Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) Bicentennial Park masterplan and replaced with an events, dining and green space.
The last 18 months have seen in excess of $100,000 worth of maintenance done to the city pool to bring it up to scratch.
As soon as the region hits Level 3 water restrictions the doors will reopen, TRC sports and recreation manager Paul Kelly said.
"There was a lot of misinformation about why the council closed the pool, every decision that was made was in accordance with the drought management plan or COVID-19 public health requirements," he said.
"The pool needed considerable work, it was a substantial amount of money we spent so that it is operational for years to come."
There were plans to shut the two town pools if the council's ambitious $67 million aquatic centre got the green light.
That project was put on hold in June due to financial pressures caused by COVID-19, now a lead designer won't be hired until next year.
Scully Park and Kootingal pools can open under the current water restrictions with the use of bore water, and it's expected that will happen from October 12.
The same goes for Nundle, Barraba and Manilla pools.
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The outbreak of COVID-19 will present new challenges for the swim season with contact tracing and patron limits strictly enforced.
Mr Kelly said there will be restrictions in place to make a day at the pool as safe as possible.
"If we get toward the maximum on a hot day we may have to turn people away until the numbers reduce," he said.
"We have a meeting next Tuesday with councillors to put a detailed plan in place but it is our intention to open October 12."
Opening hours are unconfirmed.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
