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News in Brief
Best ever summer for Pines Forest Aquatic Centre as council lobbies for funds for $31 million upgrade
This article was published in the Frankston Standard Leader on February 9, 2022 and was written by Lucy Callander. Herald Sun subscribers can follow link at right to read the article in its’ entirety. Image: reproduced from article
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Summer attendance records have been smashed at Frankston’s outdoor pool as the local council lobbies for cash to pay for an ambitious upgrade of the centre.
A total of 10,600 people visited Pines Forest Aquatic Centre, the highest ever attendance and 57% more than in 2020/21.
Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy said the centre was “incredibly popular” and had an average of about 30,000 visitors a year including those from Mornington Peninsula, Casey, Kingston and Greater Dandenong.
“This is a particularly impressive figure given it’s an outdoor pool open from November until March,” Cr Conroy said. The soaring popularity of Pines Forest helped justify the council’s $31 million plan to make over the centre, Cr Conroy said.
The upgrade comprises three new pools, including a new eight lane FINA accredited 50 metre lap pool, learn to swim pool and toddler pool. The proposal also features a spectator terrace for school swimming carnivals, new cafe and reception building, shaded playground and BBQ area and outdoor exercise equipment.
Frankston Council has committed $10.3 million to the project and is calling on state and federal candidates to match its proposed investment.
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Reproduced with permission from PV Magazine Australia Article details: December 14, 2021 Blake Matich Image: Aqua Aerem / Screenshot
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