THE Lara Swimming Club has unveiled new accessibility upgrades designed to improve access for members and visitors with mobility challenges.<\/p>\n
City of Greater Geelong councillors Chris Burson and Anthony Aitken joined club representatives earlier this month to open a new deck, pergola and accessibility ramp at the Bank Street clubrooms.<\/p>\n
The deck and pergola have been named in honour of life member Gary Andrews, who passed away last year, and the new shaded area is already providing swimmers with shelter during warm-ups and club events.<\/p>\n
Lara Swimming Club president, Barry Majetic, said the project was first proposed in 2019.<\/p>\n
The facility \u2013 also known as the Abe and Jean McClelland Pool \u2013 is Geelong’s oldest aquatic centre, with the club dating back to 1963.<\/p>\n
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the City of Greater Geelong and the Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank \u2013 we truly wouldn’t be here today without them,” Majetic said.<\/p>\n
“The project’s completion marks the final stage of restoring our clubroom after a devastating storm in February 2024 tore off the roof.<\/p>\n
“Thank you to everyone who backed our club through each challenge.”<\/p>\n
The project was funded by two Community Infrastructure Grants from the city. Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank also contributed $35,000 to the project, while the Lara Swimming Club contributed $5,000.<\/p>\n
Cr Burson said the council was proud to support a club with deep community roots.<\/p>\n
“The Lara Swimming Club is well-known as a supportive sporting community which endeavours to maintain a small-town country culture, focused on service to people of all abilities,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Not only will the new deck, pergola and accessibility ramp benefit the 70-plus members, ranging from five to 86 years old, the upgrades will help to attract new swimmers and visitors.<\/p>\n
“This project is a great example of council’s investment in community facilities. Our grants program aims to improve the health, wellbeing and capacity of our community, so we look forward to seeing it benefit Lara Swimming Club members for many seasons to come.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Lara Swimming Club has unveiled new accessibility upgrades designed to improve access for members and visitors with mobility challenges. City of Greater Geelong councillors Chris Burson and Anthony Aitken joined club representatives earlier this month to open a new deck, pergola and accessibility ramp at the Bank Street clubrooms. The deck and pergola have […]<\/p>\n