The YMCA will take over the running of the Canberra Olympic Pool from July 1 until longer term management options are resolved.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sport and Recreation Minister Shane Rattenbury hailed the new operator as a great outcome for the community saying it would ensure a continuity of service for Canberrans using the Civic pool.
"The YMCA has managed aquatic and leisure facilities in Canberra and throughout NSW for years," he said.
"They bring a wealth of experience, and I am pleased that they are stepping in under an interim arrangement."
For eight weeks in July and August, while Tuggeranong's Lakeside Leisure Centre is closed for refurbishment, the Civic pool's opening hours will be extended from 5.30am to 8.30pm from Monday to Friday, and lane space increased.
Work at Tuggeranong will include retiling the pool concourse, renovating the change rooms, and the beginning of a new water play park.
Mr Rattenbury said staff recruitment for the Civic and Tuggeranong centres was expected to begin next week.
"I can assure current staff and their families that the YMCA offer all existing staff, up to the level of operations manager, the opportunity to participate in an initial recruitment process," he said.
YMCA NSW CEO Leisa Hart said the ACT Government's Active 2020 vision to enrich the Canberra community through sport and active recreation aligned with YMCA principals.
"There are a variety of user groups who rely on this facility including recreational lap swimmers and swimming clubs, water polo clubs as well as the staff," she said.
"Continuity of operation is critical to all these stakeholders, so we'll be working around the clock to ensure a seamless transition come July 1."
The Civic pool will be closed on Tuesday June 30 when the current manager transitions out of the facility.
Mr Rattenbury said a procurement process has begun to appoint a new operator at the Tuggeranong centre.
"We are working to have a new operator in place as soon as possible, and certainly before the facility reopens following the completion of maintenance work during July and August," he said.
The YMCA's tenure at the Civic pool will end on March, 31 2016.
