It's time to dust off the swimming togs as the Port Macquarie pool is back open for a new season.
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Pools at Kendall, Laurieton and Wauchope will open at the start of the school holidays on September 28.
BlueFit Pty Ltd is now managing the region's pools following a competitive tender process in early 2019.
"Swimming is such a popular past-time, and with the beautiful weather we are currently experiencing it will be great to see the Port Macquarie pool back in action," said council acting group manager, Amanda Hatton.
"We are so lucky to have four fantastic public pools, and our new pool manager, BlueFit has been working on a smooth transition to minimise the impact on the community, including existing pool users.
"Equally pleasing is that we'll see enhanced offerings at our pools this year, with new swimming programs and events providing the opportunity for even more of our community to enjoy aquatic activities."
CEO Todd McHardy said BlueFit is excited to be part of the Port Macquarie-Hasting community, and was looking forward to the Port Macquarie pool opening.
"Things have been going swimmingly and Port Macquarie Swimming Club is really pleased with the appointment of Cheryl Neville as head coach for the upcoming season which is great to see," said Mr McHardy.
"Cheryl has been involved with the swimming club and teaching locals of all abilities for many years, is extremely passionate, and has a vast coaching knowledge. She has the respect of our current swimmers and many new ideas to implement."
The Port Macquarie Swimming Club thanked previous pool manager's Michael and Cindy Mullens from Swimwell for their support over the past 16 years, and looked forward to building the same strong relationship with the BlueFit team.
They also thanked BlueFit for their support in the successful submission to host the Swimming North Coast Long Course Area Championships on November 23 and 24 this year, which is this the first time this meet is being held outside of Coffs Harbour, since the inception of Swimming North Coast.
New Port Macquarie pool head coach, Cheryl Neville thanked BlueFit and the local swimming club for the opportunity.
"I am very excited to be able to work with a very talented team of swimmers, and am hopeful of continuing the very high standard that the previous coach Michael Mullins achieved with these swimmers," said Ms Neville.
"I'm looking forward to a great new season."
Learn to swim (LTS) enrolments are now open, with the program starting on Monday, August 5.
Meanwhile, the community is being encouraged to provide feedback on where a future Port Macquarie aquatic facility might be located.
The future development and upgrade of the Port Macquarie Pool has been discussed with the community on several occasions, and following on from the latest community engagement in 2017.
High-level layouts have been developed for each of these sites, which are:
- Macquarie Park (Gordon Street)
- Dixie Park (Aston Street)
- Findlay Park (Findlay Avenue)
- Upper Oxley Oval (Pacific Drive)
- Thrumster Sporting Complex (College Drive)
- Wayne Richards Park (Koala Street)
In addition, there is the alternate option to upgrade the existing site in Gordon Street.
To 'have your say' on the site options visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/port-macquarie-pool by Sunday, August 18.
