End the year with cheer at pool party

AN old school pool nestled next to the Wade Street Recreation Reserve and Golden Square Bowls Club is putting on an early start/early finish New Year’s Eve Neighbourhood Party that will have attendees comfortably tucked up in bed well before the clock strikes midnight, if they so choose.

The occasion is part of community-run Golden Square Pool’s Festival of Summer events program, which also includes live music with its Summer Beats series, an Australia Day party and a movie night on Saturday 17 January.

The venue’s organising committee president, Sam Kane, said it’s already been a “very big couple of months” preparing for the season.

“We’ve got nearly 100 volunteers now who do everything there needs to be done to get the pool ready and raring to go,” he said.

“We well and truly got ready for opening day – all the things like maintenance on the site, groundworks and ensuring the place is safe and compliant.”

Mr Kane said the 31 December event is angled towards families looking for a safe, low-cost venue to bring in the new year.

“It finishes just before the (early) fireworks start in town so people can come down, enjoy the weather and surrounds and meet up with their neighbours before going off to either watch the fireworks or do whatever else they need to,” he said.

“I’d encourage families to pack a picnic, invite their (friends) and see it as a great spot to go that’s family-friendly and local.”

Golden Square Pool’s New Year’s Eve Neighborhood Party begins at 5pm and finishes at 8.30pm.

The venue will be open as per normal hours on the day and usual entry prices apply.