Redeveloped Mt Barker Memorial Pool Precinct to open for the summer season

Mt Barker’s historic swimming pool is set to reopen for the summer season on Monday after major upgrades. The Shire of Plantagenet Council endorsed plans for the first stage of the redevelopment in September 2020, after a feasibility study was undertaken in February 2019. In January 2021, the Shire received $374,000 in State Government funding for the redevelopment, which was also funded by the Federal Government and the Shire. At the time, WA Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the ageing facilities were ”held in great affection” by the local community and required upgrades to ensure they could be used for years to come. The Mt Barker Memorial Swimming Pool was built in 1971. “This is a great example of supporting our regional communities and providing current facilities that support the health and wellbeing of the local community,” Mr Murray said. In the first stage of the redevelopment, the pool precinct has received a new building next to Mead Street featuring a new entry, change rooms, toilets, a kiosk, a clubroom, verandas and a terrace area. The new facility was built opposite the original buildings, which will now be decommissioned. Cosmetic upgrades have also been made to the gardens and pathways. Shire president Chris Pavlovich said the council opted to break the redevelopment into two stages so people could enjoy the pool during summer. “The pool will be open Monday, it will be business as usual,” he said. The end of the summer swimming season will mark the start of stage two of construction, which will include underground works and a new learn-to-swim pool to replace the old toddler pool. “Originally we were planning on putting in a 25m pool, but the community wanted to keep the full-sized Olympic pool,” Mr Pavlovich said. “The 50-year-old pool was still sound and strong, so we decided to renew the infrastructure around the pool.”