Sweaty, sun-scorched residents have been clamouring for an outdoor pool for nearly a decade, and now their prayers will finally be answered.
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Construction work will soon be underway for a deluxe 50 metre Olympic-grade outdoor swimming pool at the Griffith Regional Aquatic Centre, much to the delight of Griffith Swimming Club president Sarah Hill.
The club's members have been demanding Griffith City Council to build an outdoor pool for nearly a decade, and now after years of lobbying they will soon be able to take their first outdoor dip.
"It's going to be very, very exciting. We've waited a long time for a 50 metre pool," Mrs Hill said.
"It's going to be fantastic."
The new outdoor pool will allow the swimming club to hold regional swimming carnivals in Griffith, which previously had to be held elsewhere in places like Wagga.
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The only 50 metre pool anywhere near Griffith is all the way over in Leeton, meaning that serious swimmers had to drive 60 kilometres to train in a proper Olympic-size pool.
One such serious swimmer is Mrs Hill's daughter, Charlotte Hill, who swims for 90 minutes every day.
"I think an outdoor pool will be good because we can do swimming carnivals out here and keep our fitness levels up in the 50 metre pool," Charlotte said.
The entire Hill family are avid swimming enthusiasts, and Mrs Hill is hoping the addition of an outdoor pool will get more families into the water.
"As a family we really enjoy swimming. It's healthy, it's good for you, and it's such a good sport for kids to get into," Mrs Hill said.
The outdoor pool concept plan features disability access ramps, spectator seating, landscaping, barbecue area and new change rooms.
The pool is funded through the NSW Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund, the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund, and partly though council coffers.
Copies of the Griffith Sporting Precinct Master Plan can be found at Griffith City Council's chambers or on their website.
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