Let's think out of the box and save the Canberra Olympic Pool |
Welcome to 2026! Another year, another column about pools! Let's make some changes in 2026. Think creatively, maybe?
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I'm going to say it again - I truly believe the Phillip pool, Big Splash water park and Civic pool should ALL be saved.
Yes, the ACT runs on rates. But can we give the gung-ho development a rest, just for a bit, and consider what we are losing and will likely never get back?
Canberrans need outside pools for rest, recreation and reprieve from the heat.
And as Save Phillip Pool Community spokeswoman Sarah Ransom said on ABC Radio Canberra, public swimming pools are basic local council stuff. Why can't we get it right?
Outdoor pools should be treated like the bus service - something that is probably going to make a loss but is still provided for the greater good. Even if they are only used for part of the year, they are a critical community asset.
Let's take that $138 million earmarked for a new Canberra Aquatic Centre at Commonwealth Park and plough at least some of that money into the Canberra Olympic Pool. Make sure it's properly maintained and not - like everything else the ACT government or a developer wants to get rid of - left to wither on the vine.
Maybe put in a proper cafe? Provide takeaway fish and chips? Coffee? Perfect. Put up some cute umbrellas and tables and chairs. It doesn't need much. The government loves to say the Civic pool is "ageing". Well, aren't we all? It just means we all need some maintenance and attention to keep going.
As has been repeated ad nauseam , the ACT government wants to demolish the Canberra Olympic Pool and build a new Canberra Convention and........