Gone are the days of getting sunburnt at Continental Pool in North Wollongong once a new shade cloth is built.
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Wollongong councillors accepted the tender of Hytech Plastics Pty Ltd for the design and construction of a shade sail structure, costing $61,000, at Monday night’s council meeting.
Pool-goers told a council survey that they needed a place to escape the sun because there was very little shade in the common areas of the pool concourse.
The rectangular sail will be 42 square metres and adjacent to the southern side of the facilities building. Demolition of existing garden beds, foundation works and paving also will be required.
All councillors who spoke at the meeting were pleased a sail would be built at the pool.
Councillor John Dorahy said Continental Pool “certainly needed” the shade structure.
“I am really happy the council has decided now to begin a process of putting up shade at Continental Pool,” he said.
“I think it is reasonable, on behalf of our residents and visitors, that we do provide shade structures over various playgrounds or pools around our local wherever possible.”
The approval of the shade cloth caused a commotion among councillors because in April, Cr Dorahy raised a notice of motion asking the council to conduct an audit of playgrounds in Wollongong to see which ones needed shade cloths.
The motion was voted down at the time.
Cr Leigh Colacino said he supported the shade cloth being installed at the pool but wanted to see if other playgrounds and pools also needed shade.
Cr Cameron Walters agreed.
“I said at the time (when Cr Dorahy raised the motion) that I think we should be looking at all areas and parks of council where we should have shade cloths,” he said.
“It is crucial we protect people as much as possible from the sun.
“We live in a great area and we should be protecting our constituents.”
Despite the motion being voted down, council staff have still been preparing a report for the past five months that investigates the need and feasibility of installing shade sails at other council parks, pools and playgrounds.
The report will be presented to councillors next month.
Cr Janice Kershaw suggested charging residents and visitors a fee when entering Continental Pool to help fund the installation of a shade cloth so council funds could be used to provide shade structures at other playgrounds or pools around the city.
“There are other areas within the city that need shade cloths,” she said.
“The council seems to be able to find the money for (Continental Pool) – which is highly used by tourists to our city and is fenced – and a fee should be charged for accessing this pool.
“Then the money does not have to be provided from council’s reserves and could be spent in other areas.
“It is a debate I have had many times and lost. I’m still going to raise it at every opportunity I can. I know it is not popular view.”
A start date for work is yet to be finalised between the council and Hytech Plastics. Pool users will be notified at the site.
