This weekend will be a big one for Griffith's patient and passionate swimmers, who will get the chance to dive into the long-awaited outdoor pool for the very first time.
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The Griffith Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre is hosting the 'We Love Our Pool' open day on Sunday, February 14, to celebrate the new 50 metre pool opening to the public.
The temperature is forecast to rise above 30 degrees, and those looking to escape the heat will be treated to free entry from the moment doors open at 10am.
There will also be a free barbecue available to hungry swimmers.
Griffith City Council's director of business, cultural and financial services, Max Turner, said council was "delighted" to finally open the pool up for use.
"The open day will be a great way to showcase the new facility and let the community enjoy it for free on the day," Mr Turner said.
"The new pool has been something the community has wanted basically since the old pool was decommissioned and replaced by the current centre.
"This state-of-the-art facility will provide a lot more water space for all users whether it be for lap swimmers, competitive swimmers or those just wanting to cool off and have some recreational fun."
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He said he hopes the Griffith community can "use and enjoy the facility for many years to come".
Griffith students have had a chance to test out the facilities in advance this week, with some high schools hosting swimming carnivals in the new complex.
According to Mr Turner, these trials have been a big success.
"The swimming carnivals have been very successful with up to 600 students coming into the facility to take part in the events," he said.
"Council has received a lot of positive comments on the new pool and extra facilities and being able to hold the carnivals in a full sized Olympic pool has provided a whole new experience for the participants."
The opening of the new pool brings an end to a $7.8 million project set in motion more than five years ago.
It was funded by the Australian Government, the NSW Government, and Griffith City Council.
