The Oakleigh Swimming Pool

Oakleigh Pool is a 1950’s pool set in lawns and trees. It has a diving pool with two diving towers and this unique feature needs to stay.

It has a 50 metre, eight-lane pool. Up until last summer (2005―2006) there was also a learners’ pool. Apparently it was leaking, and was consequently closed last summer. Two circular paddling pools were taken out of service two summers ago. No reason was given.

The pool was built partly by money raised by the residents of Oakleigh, especially school children, many of whom still live in Oakleigh.

The pool’s pumping and filters were bought second-hand when the pool was built—they are about 70 years old and have served the pool well. They are at the end of their lives now and need to be replaced. The paid officials at Council refuse to look at any creative solution and say that nothing can be done short of a full redevelopment—and they are not prepared to do that.

CLAG wants the pool restored to its 1950’s glory. It does not want it to be demolished and replaced with a “multifunction asset that is not based on one single element.” (Mayor Joy Banerji, Oakleigh Monash Leader, 25th of July, 2006). Council hasn’t even decided what to do with the “site”—apart from from telling us there will not be a pool.

CLAG wants the pool heated (by solar would seem the best choice) and an extended opening season—say from October to the end of March—and longer opening hours.

CLAG wants the pool to be well run and promoted—what about a welcome breakfast on the first morning of the swimming season, a couple of lap lanes at certain times, a community pool party once or twice a season?