The group of 50 volunteers that has banded together to keep the Golden Square Pool open is optimistic about the future.
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At their New Year’s Eve celebrations on Monday night, president Sam Kane and vice president Barbara Lomas said the pool was celebrating an increase in patronage.
They said it was encouraging considering the pool faced closure last summer.
“We're already above where we were this time last season. I think it shows people want this pool to exist,” Mr Kane said.
“In terms of plans, we're not working to a two year (plan), we're working towards a long term future for the pool.
“We've never been against the new swimming pool but we believe we offer a different experience.
“People need to see we're not here for two years, we’re here for the future and forever.”
Ms Lomas said the pool’s committee tried to be responsive to the community’s needs.
“We feel we understand what Golden Square residents want and we we try to be really responsive to that,” she said.
“When you think about it, Golden Square, doesn't have much else. That's why it’s important we're more than just water, we offer other events.
“We want to continue to be the beating heart of Golden Square and offer a place for people in our community to come.”
Mr Kane, who became president of the Golden Square Pool this year, is 20 years old and has been involved with the pool for six years.
“When it closed down, my family thought it's wasn’t right,” he said.
“I thought (this year) was the right time (to stand for president) and I felt I could lead everyone. But we have 50 volunteers and 10 staff all us working together and leading, not just me.”
“It all shows this pool is here for the community. It’s not run by corporate entity, its’ run by locals.”
For the rest of the season the pool has a series summer events planned for the community to follow on from the family-friendly evening event held on New Year’s Eve.
“Nights like (New Year’s Eve) show why Golden Square needs a swimming pool and why we call ourselves the ‘beating heart of Golden Square,” Mr Kane said.
“We launched our new summer events series last year, so have a lot of events planned through January and February.
“Our Summer Beats (events) will have a live performer and food truck next Saturday (January 19) and on February 2 we will have a car park full of food trucks and big band. Last season that event attracted 860 people.”
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