The Port Macquarie-Hastings community has been taking advantage of the pool being open through the month of July with data showing total visitor numbers will exceed June.
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Traditionally the Port Macquarie pool has closed to the community through July to allow for maintenance work.
However, due to the COVID-19 lockdown the pool was closed to the public earlier on in 2020 and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council was able to carry out the works at that stage instead.
The pool has since reopened to the public and initially people had to book a lane at an allocated time slot due to the COVID-19 health restrictions.
As Port Macquarie was one of the only pools in the region which was able to open under restrictions, a lot of people travelled from locations including Kempsey and Forster to use the facility.
People are no longer required to book since the further easing of restrictions. However, BlueFit staff are still asking people to be health conscious and sign in when they attend the facility, in case of a potential outbreak.
BlueFit centre manager Jodie Buttsworth said the customers were very excited when they found out the pool would be open throughout July.
"It's been a constant stream of people coming through," she said.
Pool programs are set to kick off including junior swim squads (starts August 3), aqua (back August 3) and Learn to Swim classes (back August 24).
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager Liam Bulley said July is on track to break the total visitor numbers compared to the month of June.
As of July 26, the pool had recorded 3400 visits compared to a total of 3500 for the month of June.
"That's despite the terrible weather which has impacted the region in July," Mr Bulley said.
The change rooms at the pool have been renovated and are now open to the public. However, only four people can use the facilities at a time, to align with COVID-19 health restrictions.
"We're asking people to think of others and make it quick," Ms Buttsworth said.
Meanwhile plans continue to push ahead to make the new Port Macquarie aquatic facility a reality.
"It's still considered a priority project," Mr Bulley said.
"We're still working through the pre-construction phase of the project now and we'll be looking to open tender in the coming months, to appoint someone to commence work on phase one."
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