Tusmore Park wading pool set for a spruce up after Burnside Council survey finds overwhelming support for the move
For decades, families from across Adelaide have taken their young children to play at the Tusmore Park wading pool. Now, it’s set for a revamp.
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The ageing Tusmore Park wading pool, deemed a “public health risk” by a local councillor, is set for an overhaul.
Burnside Council surveyed nearly 500 people over February and March, with more than 90 per cent of respondents backing a revamp of the pool that had reached the “end of its useful life”.
There was a “strong desire to retain a wading pool” with either a similar design or with some additional features, according to a council report.
“There is sentiment to either upgrade or retain the pool feature in some form, potentially with some minor and modern additions/equipment,” the report read.
The council would develop concept designs next financial year and planned to start work in 2021/22.
The pool was very popular for families, particularly those with toddlers, but had a large number of deficiencies, the report said.
A council spokeswoman said its pumping system was antiquated, making it difficult to manage the water quality.
It was also not disability friendly.
“Every season, the pool closes unpredictably in order to be cleaned, often due to ‘toilet accidents’ young children have in the water, which poses a public health risk to all users,” the report read.
“Health risks are also exacerbated by people allowing their dogs into the pool.
“However, recent by-laws have been passed to address this issue.”
There had also been incidents of broken glass in the pool, caused by people drinking alcohol nearby.
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Cr Henry Davis told The Messenger on Wednesday the pool was “in desperate need of attention”.
“It is getting to the point now that it poses a public health risk,” Cr Davis said.
“Glass and pollutants are making their way into the pool and is resulting in more and more shutdowns.”
He wanted a move away from the pool’s fibreglass look to a “creek play” feel.
“I used to love going down to the local creek to play when I was a kid, I think we can create that feel at Tusmore,” he said.
“I want to see a move towards nature play and a move away from plastics.”