Suburban pool changes name

Press, 2 November 1984, Page 10

Suburban pool changes name

The St Albans swimming pool will cease to exist as from tomorrow. But frequent swimmers there need not be alarmed the pool is simply being renamed as the Edgeware swimming pool.' The name change, as well as a fresh coat of paint on the pool for the start of the new season, is all part of the management committee’s plan to keep the pool as a popular community recreation facility-

Although it covers a wide area of St Albans the pool and the St Albans Swimming Club have always been closely linked with the Edgeware Road community, and the name change will more clearly indicate this link. Althought the pool has been in use for over 50 years and is regarded as part of the character of Christchurch, it was threatened with closing at the end of last season.

A permanent management committee, which includes two Christchurch City councillors, was set up in April to administer the day-to-day running of the pool.

Through a council grant, the committee has been able to retain the pool.and promote it as a community resource which can be used for a variety of local, family and private functions.

A slogan, “Shop and Swim” has been part of the

community emphasis in promoting use of the pool which is ideally situated close to the Edgeware Village and has off-street park-

ing. The family atmosphere of the pool begins with the surrounding spectator area, whch has a grassed picnic spot complete with a barbecue and room for lazing in the sun. ■ Spectators (who are allowed in free of charge) can watch swimmers in the pool either from the stands or from the grassed area.

High on the list of priorities for improvements to facilities for the coming year is the relocation of the barbecue and the installation of sun umbrellas on the grassed areas. The pool can be hired out for private functions as well.

Members of the club are assisting with pool duties on evenings ahd weekends on a roster basis so that the Club can use the pool for training and other club activities, free of charge. The family flavour comes too, with the involvement of older members of the club

teaching youngsters to swim

on Saturday mornings. This service offers experieneced help and advice, at no extra charge. “This is typical of the club,” said Mrs Colleen Campbell, who is the publicity co-ordinator. “Where else can you your children taught for free?” she said. \

Children can bring their bicycles right into the pool area, where they can keep an eye on them while they swim. ‘

General safety in the pool is a high priority for pool attendants who keep constant supervision over swimmers and people around the poolside. At least $20,000 each year is needed to maintain the pool. Part of the expense in recent years has come from, heating costs. For an openair pool, water-covers play a major part in retaining heat and cutting costs, but the present covers are ineffective and need replacing.

Entry fees are realistic while still being held as low as possible-at 40 cents for children and 80 cents for adults, with the usual concessions being avail-

able. This year, the annual subscription will be 520 per member, with family concessions to families of three or more at $6O.

Benefits of joining the club are numerous — members may use the pool every day from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. for training purposes, and club night, Wednesday, is put aside for the use of members only. The pool is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. Late nights are ‘on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30 to 8 p.m.

Between noon and 2 p.m. daily there is lane swimming available.