Burnside pool attracting big numbers over Norwood and Payneham after revamp

ONE of Adelaide’s public pools has just had a big revamp — and it’s worked, with lots of people heading through the gates for a splash. But it’s come at a cost to other areas.

Harper, 2, checks out Burnside’s new toddlers’ pool. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

SWIMMERS are shunning public pools in Norwood and Payneham in favour of the redeveloped Burnside pool.

Council figures show about 62,000 people have flocked to the Burnside pool, at Hazelwood Park, since it reopened in September following a $6.8 million upgrade.

At the halfway mark of the season, Burnside is on track to top the 103,000 swimmers it attracted in 2012/13 — the last full season before its revamp started.

About 13,000 people have used Norwood pool this season, while Payneham has had about 36,000 swimmers.

Norwood Payneham and St Peters Council has earmarked $2.4 million to upgrade both its pools.

But Mayor Robert Bria last week said that might not be enough money to stave off competition from Burnside.

The council has commissioned a consultant to prepare a report on the future of the Norwood and Payneham pools, which is likely to be released in March.

“My gut feel is that it ($2.4 million) won’t be enough,” Mr Bria said.

“But until we get the report from the consultant back and consider his recommendations about what is required for each pool, as well as the different features that people attending the pools want, then it’s hard to put a figure on it.”

Norwood has attracted an average of about 43,000 swimmers a year over the past five years, compared with 87,000 at Payneham.

Suzy Ramone in Norwood’s pool. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The Burnside pool redevelopment included better disability access, an upgrade of toilets, an upgraded kiosk area, improved barbecue area and a new aquatic play space to replace the wading pool.

Stepney resident Suzy Ramone, who visits the Norwood pool at least four times a week, was not surprised the attendance at Norwood and Payneham had declined.

Ms Ramone said the removal of the diving board at Norwood early last month after the council deemed it a safety hazard would have added to the low visitation numbers.

“All elements that made it a fun family day out have been gradually taken away so I’m not surprised attendance numbers are down,” Ms Ramone said.

“(The council) has also taken away the barbecues so should put permanent ones back so people can meet a few friends and have dinner there.

Oscar, 4, in Burnside’s toddler pool.

“I think the council needs to plant a few more eucalyptus to provide a bit more shade and to replace the ones that used to be there because it created a great family atmosphere.”

A 2014 Norwood, Payneham and St Peters council report said its two pools would become “irrelevant assets to the community” unless the council invested more in them.

Burnside community and development services general manager Louise Miller-Frost was thrilled with the high attendance rates at the Burnside swimming centre.

Attendance at the Unley swimming centre has remained stable over the past five years.