About the Project
The Boddington Swimming Pool opened during the 1990s and currently comprises a six-lane outdoor 25m pool and undercover wading pool, surrounded by grass areas. The facility is open for six months per year from 15 October – 15 April and operated by Contract Aquatic Services on behalf of the Shire.
In previous Council Plan consultation, residents rated the Boddington Swimming Pool as the third highest performing service from a total of 40 services, however this contrasted with also being the sixth highest priority to address. This indicates the Boddington Swimming Pool is valued, though also suggests a review of current service and facility provision is required to ensure the facility continues to meet local needs as Boddington continues to grow and develop.
Community feedback has indicated several facility and operational improvements that require further consideration.
The present facility, while not near end of life, is ageing and future capital replacement will need to be considered alongside growing service expectations.
Public aquatic facilities provide a safe, supervised and accessible environment for people of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity, foster social connection, and improve quality of life.
Investment in public aquatic facilities contribute to the economic vitality of communities by creating jobs, increasing property values, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and reducing healthcare expenditure.
The Shire established a Reference Group in May 2024 to bring together frequent users to better understand current usage patterns and quantify anticipated future demand, to evidence the feasibility and progression of short term and long-term needs for Boddington Swimming Pool. This will facilitate an opportunity for frequent users to be directly involved in shaping a recommendation and enable the Shire to work collectively with them to identify a preferred option to inform a future Council decision.
Project Progress
In 2023, the Shire arranged the completion of an asset condition report for Boddington Swimming Pool, with the intention to clarify the anticipated lifespan of the existing facility and the suitability of embedding community aspirations at the existing site.
Expressions of Interest to join the Community Reference Group closed in May 2024 and the first meeting occurred in June 2024. The condition of the existing facilities and amenities and current patronage levels were reviewed, as well as discussion about short term, medium term and long-term aquatic needs.
Upcoming Works
The Community Reference Group will continue to meet to consider case studies of other similar projects to determine feasibility, and collate the needs raised into a future direction for Council endorsement.