** UPDATE 10 January 2022 **
Construction is expected to be completed in February 2022. Time will then be needed to commission the pool to prepare it for community use.
** UPDATE 15 November 2021 **
Construction of the new wading pool commenced in August 2021 and is well underway. Early works of the construction phase included the demolition of the pool and the plant machinery sheds. Shortly after this, the new storm water infrastructure at the pool level was installed. Concrete for the new pool and the retaining seating walls has since been poured. The frame and cladding for the new plant shed has been constructed, and electrical works are now occurring.
Access through the park is being maintained as much as possible. On occasion, access will be closed for safety reasons, primarily when large trucks are required to access the site.
** UPDATE 20 July 2021 **
Development Approval was granted for this project in July 2021.
Outside Ideas have been appointed as the contractor for the construction phase of the project. Outside Ideas are a South Australian company who have significant experience on large scale projects including Brighton Oval, the Mitcham Library and Brownhill Creek redevelopment, and Henley Square.
Works will commence on site in August 2021.
** UPDATE **
On 28 April Council reviewed the results of this engagement and resolved to engage a design consultancy to commence work on concept design options and cost estimates for the refurbishment of the Tusmore Park wading pool, to be completed in the 2020/21 financial year.
Further community consultation will be undertaken on the final design and is to be presented to Council prior to works being delivered in the 2021/22 financial year.
BACKGROUND:
The Tusmore Park wading pool has been popular with families, particularly those with toddler-aged children, for many years. However, at more than 50 years old it has reached the end of its useful life and is due for review. In recent times, closures of the pool have become more frequent due to the ageing infrastructure, its design and a number of other factors which contribute to health related risks.
There is an opportunity for the community to provide feedback to help Council determine the future of this space – this could include having the same pool fully refurbished, a similar water-themed play area with different features, or, something else entirely.
There are three high-level options available:
- Fully refurbish the existing wading pool.
- Upgrade the wading pool to a different water-themed facility.
- Other - remove the wading pool and install a new feature which is not water related.
Key parameters for any water-themed option would include that it:
- will remain seasonal,
- will remain a space for families with young children,
- will remain within the same footprint,
- will require the chemical dosage of the water with chlorine for health and environmental safety.
Other important points:
- A new shade sail would be required to meet current standards.
- If the community selects a water option, under current regulations, a fence will be constructed around the perimeter of the pool area for risk management purposes.
- The current pool design does not allow easy access for people with a disability.
- As visitors to the pool are aware, every season the pool closes unpredictably in order to be drained, cleaned and refilled, often due to ‘toilet accidents’ that young children have in the water, which poses a public health risk for all pool users. While some of this risk could be addressed with a better design and improved chemical dosing equipment, it remains a potential risk for any option which has a ‘wading pool’ area (and particularly a large wading pool area).
- Because of the age of the pool and infrastructure, the cost to either refurbish or upgrade are similar.
- There are safety risks involved with a wading pool that is unsupervised, even if the pool is only 300mm deep.
- The larger the wading pool area, the higher the level of water use.
- The current wading pool area is well loved by many, and the goal will be for any replacement (whether a refurbishment, upgrade or something else) to be equally (if not more!) loved and used by the community.
Right now Council is seeking input from the community to help inform how we proceed.
To see all of the options, please see below.
What will happen next?
It is intended that design for the preferred option will take place in 2020/21 and construction would follow in 2021/22.
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Come to a Pool Party
Saturday 14 March 2020, 11 am - 1 pm
Tusmore Park Wading Pool, Stirling Street
Free barbecue, ice blocks and juice
Share your ideas on the future of Tusmore Wading Pool.
