THE Barellan pool will reach a major milestone on Friday, an achievement the community is proud of.
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The pool will mark 50 years of being in operation and there have been many changes since it first opened in 1965.
After two drownings in a dam on the edge of town in 1960, the Barellan community banded together to fund-raise for its own swimming pool where children could be supervised and learn to swim.
Construction started on the pool in 1963 after the money was raised by residents and through various grants from Narrandera Shire Council.
The pool was completed in 1964 and was officially opened on February 6, 1965.
Current manager Heather White has worked at the Barellan pool for abut 40 years.
“There’s been a lot of changes over the years … it’s a great facility,” she said.
“It’s a safe environment and we’ve really improved as the years have gone along.
“To reach 50 years is pretty exciting.”
The pool was built by Bruno Grollo, who went on to bigger projects, including re-building the Melbourne skyline.
Mrs White said the pool was at the hear of the Barellan community.
“It can be a central meeting point,” she said.
“We’ve really noticed since we done up some of the areas, such as the coffee area, that parents will come in, have a chat and relax while their children have a swim.
“In the past they might have just dropped them off and picked them up later on.”
The Barellan pool is no stranger to celebrities either.
From 1988 swimming legend and Olympian Dawn Fraser held week-long clinics at the pool for 20 years.
“That’s probably a big highlight for me,” Mrs White said.
“The other is probably teaching children to swim and now years on teaching their children too.
“It’s a great place to work.”
The 25-metre pool is located opposite Barellan Central School, with students rushing out the door when the final bell is sounded to jump into the cool waters.
A low-key celebration of the 50th anniversay will be held on Friday evening at the pool.
The facility will open its doors at no charge, with residents from Barellan and the wider area encouraged to head along with a picnic dinner and enjoy the occasion.
A special cake in the shape of the number 50 will also be cut and shared on the night.
“We’re hoping for a good crowd,” Mrs White said.
“It should be a lovely night for everyone.”