Glenorchy War Memorial Pool was closed indefinitely in July 2023. Glenorchy City Council released a statement that repair of the pool was not a good use of rate payers funds and that a feasibility study would be undertaken to assess the long term viability of the pool. A business case would then be required to apply for Federal and State Government funding for either a redeveloped pool OR alternate non-aquatic options. Since the closure of the pool, the Tasmanian State Government has pledged $5M to repair and reopen Glenorchy Pool whilst long term plans are developed. Funding for the long term redevelopment of the pool is not yet secure. Friends of Glenorchy Pool inc intends to lobby all levels of government to ensure that funding for the pool is at the forefront of consideration, particularly during the upcoming Federal election. Click HERE to learn how you can help to secure the long term future of Glenorchy Pool.
Continue reading about the history of Glenorchy’s treasured aquatic asset———————————–
Ask a local to describe Glenorchy War Memorial Pool and they may begin by telling you about the pool’s iconic location between two spectacular mountain views. Glenorchy Pool, situated in Anfield St, Glenorchy, observes unhindered views of Mt Wellington to the west and Mt Direction to the east. Many a pool patron can attest to enjoying the sparkling waters of Glenorchy Pool whilst beholding snow capped Mt Wellington. For 60 years the thrill of enjoying Glenorchy’s fresh, open air pool amongst the serenity and greenery of the KGV Sport Precinct has been an experience like no other.
Support for a public pool in Glenorchy became evident in the 1940s. Moonah School head teacher, Mr Stubbs, approached Councillor Fitzgerald about the provision for some ‘tepid baths’ stating “every child should learn how to swim” However, the real impetus to establish the pool came in the late 50s when the Tasmanian Amateur Swimming Association wrote to council about the need for swimming facilities at Glenorchy. At that time the sandy beaches of Elwick Bay were to be reclaimed to make way for the Brooker Highway and an increasing number of civic minded citizens aimed to establish a dependable swimming facility for the health and enjoyment of all.
Mr McGrath and Mr Williams arranged a meeting and invited council in order to progress the idea for a Northern Suburbs pool.
“Surely the people of such a thickly populated and industrialised area are not content with the position where facilities for youth are practically non-existent”
Glenorchy citizens Mr McGrath and Mr Williams pursued government funding for the pool.
With some persistence, McGrath and Williams were able to convince the Municipality of Glenorchy to hold a public meeting for the purposes of discussing a future Glenorchy pool.
The efforts of McGrath and Williams were rewarded and with outstanding support from business owners and community members and council alike, Glenorchy War Memorial Pool came into fruition.
“In this municipality, we don’t just sit around moaning about what the young people are doing. We give them something interesting to do as with this pool, which benefits them both morally and physically”
Sir Stanley Burbury
The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool was the single, biggest recreation project to have been attempted in Glenorchy.
The cost had been 93,000 pounds at the time, a big part of the 150,000 pounds spent to make King George V Park one of the best sport centres in Tasmania.
Glenorchy Pool was dedicated as a war memorial to all who had given their lives in service of their country, and for the use of their fellow members, their children, and their children’s children “from this time forth”
And so, Glenorchy War Memorial Pool served as the hub of community. sports and healthful pursuits for 60 years.
Today Glenorchy Pool has been permanently closed we find ourselves back to the beginning in a pooless Glenorchy, looking forward to again having this crucial infrastructure to support the health, sporting and recreational needs of our growing community.
Decisions made now will impact health and safety outcomes of Tasmanians ongoing, and just like the citizens of 1950s Glenorchy, we too have a social responsibility for our future generations.
We reject “alternate options”
For the wellbeing of our community, it must be a pool that remains in Glenorchy.