If the community’s reaction to a recently created Facebook group of the same name is any indication, we do indeed love Lambton Pool.
More than 200 people joined the ‘We Love Lambton Pool’ group in the first day. Membership now stands at well over 400.
“I’m a regular swimmer here. I love Lambton Pool and I want it to thrive into the future. But I am worried that it may not.” Anna Glasby, creator of the Facebook group, told The Local.
Her concerns stem from the apparent lack of a plan for how the pool and its facilities will be maintained and upgraded in coming years.
Anna, pictured above with members of Lambton Residents Group, has lodged three written enquiries to City of Newcastle regarding the state of Lambton Pool in recent months, and has received what she says is an inadequate response only this week.
Anna is far from alone in voicing concerns about the swimming centre’s future. At a recent Lambton Residents Group meeting a number of maintenance and repair issues were raised.
“Yes, there was a like for like replacement of the waterslide a few months back. But at the same time the grandstand is fenced off, apparently due to concrete cancer. It seems unlikely that it will be useable at any time this season. How can the many school swimming carnivals that would normally happen each summer go ahead? Is that business now lost to Lambton Pool and its operators? What is Council’s plan for our pool?” Angela Smith, chairperson of Lambton Residents Group, asked.
The pool complex is owned and maintained by City of Newcastle. Since 2014 it has been managed, along with Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton pools, by a private firm, BlueFit Aquatics.
As the 60th anniversary of the opening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, to give its full name, approaches in January, the community has called on City of Newcastle to urgently answer their concerns about its future.
“Whether you’re a regular swimmer, a member of a club that uses the pool or someone that hasn’t been there for years but has fond memories of days in the sun, please join our Facebook group and share your memories of summers past and your ideas for how to improve the facilities.” Anna said.
The diving, swimming, water polo and other clubs and groups that use Lambton Pool regularly have been approached to support ‘We Love Lambton Pool’. Many have indicated their strong support and described their decades of frustration with maintenance, repairs and renewal at the facility.
“I look forward to an alliance of pool users, working in co-operation with City of Newcastle, to ensure Lambton Pool has a strong future” Anna said.
To add your support to this community-wide initiative search ‘We Love Lambton Pool’ on Facebook.
