Chance to test new pool’s waters before summer ends

A SPLASH park is among the highlights of Winchelsea’s new $8.9 million pool, which will open within a fortnight.

A formal opening ceremony for the pool will be held on February 27, with the Surf Coast Shire suggesting the pool may open to the public several days earlier, pending the final commissioning processes.

The shire will confirm the open date in the next two weeks.

Admission will be free from the day gates open until the end of a free family fun day on March 2.

The redeveloped Barwon Terrace site features new 25m and leisure pools with heated water, pavilion, a splash park, shelters, landscaping, barbecue, water fountain and plant room.

The former pool was decommissioned in March 2023 and the new facility has been fully funded through the shire’s asset renewal program.

“We look forward to having people from Winchelsea community coming together to celebrate during the free opening days and at the free family day, and seeing the pool deliver health and wellbeing benefits and fun times for people of all ages and abilities for decades to come,” mayor Mike Bodsworth said.

“The previous pool opened to the public in February 1963 and served the community for 60 years.

“Now we look forward to a new era, with the new facilities being loved and valued just as much.”

The free family fun day will run from 10am to 5pm on March 2, featuring entertainment, sausage sizzle, fun activities, giveaways and games.

The new pool season will run until March 30, with gates open 3pm to 7pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on weekends.