The final stage of the Warmer Pool for Yarram Project will begin this month, after significant delays in the delivery of steel, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With heat pumps installed and already in operation, the final stage of the project involves the erection of a steel structure over the pool with a fabric membrane roof and side blinds for weather protection. Pool lighting will also be installed.
Unfortunately, that means the pool will need to close for these works to take place, from 12 February to 11 March.
Wellington Shire Council coastal ward Councillor Garry Stephens thanked the Yarram community for its patience and said this last interruption would be worth the pain.
“The Warmer Pool for Yarram Project is one the community has been wanting for many years and we are so close to the finish line,” he said.
“Ideally, we would have deferred this final step in the project until after the summer swim season, but due to the delays in getting the steel, then locking in the contractors and the alignment of the funding, there is no other option than to do the works now.
“We informed the Yarram community at the start of the summer swim season that a further closure would need to take place during the season, and we thank them for taking these disruptions in the spirit of short-term pain results in long term gain.”
The Yarram Pool will close on Saturday, 12 February and re-open to the public Saturday, 12 March.
Acknowledging the significant disruption, Council will extend the usual summer swim season at Yarram, with guaranteed hours irrespective of temperature trigger.
Once re-opened, the pool will have guaranteed opening days of Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Lap swimming will be available 6am-8am Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The pool will be open for recreational swimming 4pm-7.30pm on the allocated days and 1pm-6pm Saturdays.
All summer season membership passes for Yarram will be extended for this period.
User groups and schools have been contacted and offered alternate arrangements for the closure period.