New Centre Ready for Summer

It's pleasing to see that initial teething problems experienced with the new indoor facility at the Manly Boy Charlton Swim Centre seem to be now sorted out, with Council been responsive to feedback and suggestions for improvements to the facility.

The new indoor lap pool at Manly Boy Charlton Swim Centre. Photo: Chris Abbott

Former Manly Councillor Candy Bingham met with the Executive Manager of Aquatic Services, Peter Livanes of the Northern Beaches Council this week when a number of resident suggestions where discussed.

Initial concerns regarding disability access have been resolved by providing an entry in Balgowlah Road with disabled parking allocated nearby.  According to Mr Livanes the wheelchair and hoist have also been well used.

Bright blue benches around the pools have been added with more to come.  A lifeguard is stationed strategically so that the full kid's fun pool can be observed at all times, overcoming concerns that the blue wave wall feature obstructs full view of the pool from one side to the other.

While it was agreed that yes, the change rooms are too small (nothing can be done about that) and the configuration of the benches in the women's change room are awkward and take up too much room, the Council undertook to examine the following improvement suggestions:

Kid's Area
Add some play toys in the kids pool; provide more benches/hooks so bags are not left on the wet floor; examine
concerns about kids safety around the spa area.

Lap Pool
Put safety non-slip onto the concrete steps leading into the lap pool. Cover the sharp edges & corners of glass barrier with safety tops.

General
Provide more shade around grassy areas and have a temperature gauge for each of the pools.

Thank you everyone for your constructive suggestions on our Facebook page and to the Council for its timely response.

Amateur Swim Clubs
It is understood that negotiations continue between the Council and the Amateur Swim Clubs in relation to lane hire charges.