Without the public, or the Addie’s knowledge, the pool reopened its doors to the public on December 9.
“We were under the impression the swimming pool is still closed to the public, as it was closed for business since September, but it is wonderful to hear the pool is finally open to the public again,” says DA ward councillor Dean Stone.
Last year a sign was put up outside the pool by the pool manager, saying the pool would be closed due to technical issues and it is only estimated to be open again at the end of January 2014.
After the work was re-advertised three times, the inlet pipe, which was the cause of the pool being closed, was repaired and the people came to cool off during the past two months.
According to the superintendent Johan Mathee, the caretaker at the pool, the pipe was fixed in November which made it possible for the metro to re-opened its doors to the public in December.
Mathee says there have been quite a lot of visitors since the beginning of January and he is happy that the pool is open for people to enjoy it and to cool off during these hot summer days.
There are specific rules at the pool that the public need to adhere to including no glassware and alcohol allowed on the premises.
Mathee adds there are braai facilities and families do come there for the day and enjoy the outing while having a braai.
The swing gates are not currently working so entrance to the pool is free, but as soon as it is fixed the entry fee will be R5 per person.
Blackfin Swimming Club’s veteran swimmer Jimmy Stewart (71) has been using this pool since he was eight years old.
He is happy to see the pool is open again.
“The South African Masters Championships are coming up in March and I love to use this facility to practice and is doing so every morning and afternoon,” says Jimmy.
No comment was received from the metro at the time of going to print as to why the media and the public were not made aware of the pool being open over the hot summer holidays.
Facts:
n The oldest pool in Springs, Selection Park pool has been out of service for nearly nine years.
n The pool was closed after a broken pump caused drainage problems.
n According to DA ward councillor, Clr Shadow Shabangu, the metro have said they will have the pool done by the 2015/16 swimming season.
