Swimmers steamed up over opening hours at Fawkner Pool

HAVE YOUR SAY: FRUSTRATED swimmers want Moreland Council to open the Fawkner outdoor pool during the day, giving relief during hot weather.

FRUSTRATED swimmers want Moreland Council to open Fawkner outdoor pool during the day.

Moira Burke visits the pool with her 78-year-old mother, Myrtle, and her children and said she was disappointed it was closed during a recent heatwave.

"I think the council needs to have a rethink about Fawkner pool and relaunch it, because it is a marvellous community facility that I think people would make the most of if it was available," Ms Burke said.

She said swimming in the indoor pool on a hot day was "like having a hot bath that you have to share with strangers".

Glenroy resident David Griffiths said "about 100 people" petitioned the council last year to extend the outdoor pool's hours but nothing had changed.

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Moreland social development director Andrew Day said patronage data determined its opening hours.

"During the hot days above 32 degrees and when there is more than 25 people in the water, council's policy is to extend opening hours; this can result in opening earlier, staying open longer, or both," Mr Day said.

He said opening hours were extended six times this month due to hot weather.

"Patrons wanting to swim outdoors when the Fawkner outdoor pool is closed are encouraged to visit Oak Park Leisure Centre, which has much longer opening hours and is open morning and afternoon every day."