How Far We've Come...
Published on 25 October 2021
On this day, 25 October 1939 the Gilgandra Swimming Pool (or baths as they were formally known) were officially opened.
What a great reminder of how far we’ve come as a small rural community as today, 82 years later, we unveil the concept plans for the new Hunter Park Sports and Recreational Precinct.
Mayor Doug Batten says,
“This is an exciting unveiling as we plan for a community project for the future of our region. These plans are the first step for Council and have included identifying the needs of user groups, making the space workable within Hunter Park and planning for future opportunities in the Precinct.
The concept plans for the Precinct have been endorsed by the Gilgandra Sports Council and includes:
- 50m swimming pool, all abilities access, separate learn to swim and water splash pool
- Shaded viewing areas, generous grassed seating areas
- Amenities
- Multipurpose Club House
- Two full size multipurpose basketball courts and spectator area
- A modern indoor gymnasium and fitness spaces
- A youth centre including a “chill out” youth space
- Office and administration areas
- Provide a central access and egress point and shared kiosk and canteen area facilities
- Four new tennis courts
- Extensive On-site parking
- External lighting and CCTV
”This is an ambitious project estimated to cost between $12m to $15m. Council has embarked on this bold vision as a result of clear representation made by the community to modernise the pool, basketball courts and the Youth Centre. Because of that I am pleased that we have completed this concept design, which shows a design that will be something special for Gilgandra”.
The vision of the Precinct is:
“To create a Multipurpose Indoor Sports Centre which provides for a modern youth centre, gymnasium and outdoor public swimming pool which supports the growth and development of sports and recreation in Gilgandra”
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The vision of Council and community members of today has an interesting synergy with its historical past.
According to notes taken from the Minutes of the Gilgandra Shire Council by the late June Curran, Past President of the Historical Society, the opening of the baths was amid much controversy and Council division throughout much of the 1930s. The baths were built at 33m rather than the Olympic standard 50m, in order to practice economy.
“(Dare we mention it), the concern at the time was money being spent on local, rural roads. The strength of the agricultural industry through this time has remained, and the critical transport infrastructure it relies on” says Mayor Batten
At a cost of 29,400 (pounds), including the filtration plant, with a funding contribution by the State Government at the time.
No budget allocation has been made to the construction stage of the new Precinct at this time, however, these plans will be used in pursuit of funding opportunities from other levels of Government.
Further concept images of the proposed facilities is available for viewing here.
For immediate release.
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Media Contact:
Kathryn Larkin
Marketing & Communications Manager
klarkin@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au