Work has commenced on the Gundagai Swimming Pool, where a zero depth entry ramp is being installed. Re-surfacing of the pool will also be undertaken.

 

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has begun the massive project of installing a disabled ramp and resurfacing at the Gundagai Swimming Pool.

Excavation of the site commenced last week, and will see a 25 metre long zero depth entry ramp installed on the eastern edge of the Olympic pool.

A zero depth entry ramp essentially begins at the pool’s edge and gradually lowers into the deeper area, similar to how you gradually enter the water at the beach. Zero depth entry ramps require very little maintenance and also provide an easy and safe way for small children, the elderly and disabled people to enter the water.

The ramp will enable the frail, aged, and disabled users, easy access to the pool. Research proves that rehabilitation and exercise programmes conducted in a swimming pool have been found to be very beneficial due to the weightlessness achieved in the water and the lower resistance encountered. 

The project is a result of a grant from the Stronger Communities Fund Round 1. An initiative of the NSW State Government and administered by CGRC, and will cost $300,000.

CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister said he was delighted the work has commenced.

“This is a great addition to our local pool, with advantages for everyone and will be see the swimming pool has accessibility for all. This is incredibly important for many of the disabled and elderly members of our community,” Cr McAlister said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was an important project for the town.

“It’s so important to make community facilities like Gundagai Swimming Pool easily accessible for as many people as possible. This ramp will be a wonderful feature which will allow everybody to enjoy the benefits of swimming and socialising in the summer months,” Ms Cooke said.

$146,000 will be spent on the ramp, with the remainder of the funding to be spent on the re-surfacing and other minor works. Griffith based company, Total Creations and Services, who built the Cootamundra Indoor Pool are undertaking the work and is aiming to have the project completed by mid-October.