Blackheath Pool: summer swimming since 1931

after the Hailstorm in Katooomba

2012-02-14T18:16:00.003+11:00

Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre has sustained significant damage in recent storms and is closed at the moment. Certain areas of the Centre will reopen on Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Pool area will open as normal
Fitness Centre & Group Fitness will be open
Unfortunately there will be no child minding available
Kids Kingdom, Tumbling and Sports Courts are closed until further notice

Hailstorms pummel Blue Mountains
ABC Online
Residents of Katoomba and Blackheath in the Blue Mountains described itas a wild scene...

INCREASED ACCESS TO THE POOL

2012-02-14T18:03:00.003+11:00

As many know there is a gently inclined ramp access at one end of the Leisure Pool. Now there is also an aquatic 'Platypus' wheelchair available at The Pool - just ask Lifeguards if you'd like to use it.

'Quiet Carriage'? Yes please!

2012-02-13T13:00:00.001+11:00

"Quiet Carriage" on BM line - please bring it on ASAP!! Have already designed stickers in anticipation of guerilla campaign - CityRail welcome to them gratis :)
Established gmail account too - shame can't use it :(

Ministerial Press Release: http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/all-aboard-and-quiet-please

Spring 1963

2012-02-11T10:59:00.000+11:00

...when The Pool was a mere 40 y.o. baby :)

Courtesy of Blue Mountains City Library Local Studies Collection

***BLACKHEATH POOL feedback: CUSTOMER SERVICE QUALITY SURVEY

2012-02-09T16:13:00.000+11:00

Please help BM Leisure Centres assess your satisfaction with services provided at Blackheath Pool by filling in an on-line questionnaire. BM Leisure Centres would like your quick impressions, and it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Access the questionnaire here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Bluemountainsoutdoorpools2012

The Survey is open from 06-Feb-12 until 24-Feb-12
Your answers will be anonymous and confidential.

Please encourage others to provide feedback too.

"Bubbles & a good lie down"

2012-02-06T15:48:00.001+11:00

Blackheath in the news: "Bubbles & a good lie down" SMH Travel Sun 05-Feb-2012
"With a spa to soak in and chaise longue to fall asleep on, Natalie O'Brien and family find their perfect match. It is the huge outdoor spa that really attracts my attention..."

Pool & Park brief mention on 'By Design'

2012-02-02T12:00:00.001+11:00

Blackheath Pool & Memorial Park enjoyed(s) brief mention on Radio National's revamped BY DESIGN program with Fenella Kernebone... our comment on their first show last week AND comment by producer, writer & ideas curator Janne Ryan in yesterday's edition of the show.
Hitting the national stage!

Memorial Park - NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

2012-01-27T12:38:00.000+11:00

Historical significance of Blackheath Memorial Park is documented on the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage database.

The database Statement of Significance is:
"Blackheath Memorial Park has a high degree of historic, social and aesthetic value and has been an important site in the development of the Blackheath township since the late 1860s. It has supported dams, essential in the establishment of the railway through the township, has been a golf course and since the early 1920s has provided the largest, most central and best designed reserve grounds for the local community."

Bh023 : Memorial Park listing
Bh184 : Blackheath Memorial Park War Memorial Steps listing
Bh185 : Blackheath Memorial Park Gates listing
Bh186 : Blackheath Memorial Park Pool Pavilion listing

Visitors Book

2012-01-20T16:25:00.002+11:00

Look out for our new BLACKHEATH POOL VISTORS BOOK - hoping to collect memories of past times at The Pool, as well as current thoughts & suggestions...

We invite you to record your thoughts about The Pool, especially if you have memories of good times at The Pool, we would love you to record them. All comments, suggestions & thoughts most welcome.

Yes, this is a hard-copy book! Will be housed at entry/reception area of The Ambulance Station at The Pool, for your hand-written pleasure :)

Five-Star Water Safety Rating

2012-01-12T13:25:00.002+11:00

Congratulations to BM Leisure Centres for becoming five-star water safety partners last month. This is an important tick of approval for all five BM pools granted by Royal Life Saving Society.

Blue Mountains City Council centres at Katoomba, Lawson, Springwood, Glenbrook and Blackheath all earned the safety rating after the Royal Life Saving Society conducted safety audits of facilities. Centres passed with flying colours meeting compulsory and stringent safety benchmarks.

Great work management & staff.

once upon a time in America :)

2012-01-11T10:11:00.000+11:00

don't forget your DAY PASS available Blackheath ONLY

2012-01-08T23:06:00.000+11:00

2011-12-23T13:00:00.003+11:00

Thank you for your support across 2011.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.

Simon Hare, Jen Kelly, Lyn York,

conveners FoBP&MP.

handy new wallet card

2011-12-03T13:43:00.001+11:00

look out for handy new FoBP&MP wallet card around town

- includes web addresses, opening hours, Pool phone number etc

North Bondi children's pool

2011-11-29T18:25:00.001+11:00

from NSW ocean baths' Flickr photostream

Note the particularly beautiful mural - hand-made ceramic tiles & recycled china, glass etc

ask for a Day Pass

2011-11-26T22:46:00.001+11:00

2011-11-26T10:57:00.001+11:00

2011-11-26T10:21:00.000+11:00

Blue Mountains Have Your Say > Street Tree Planting

I'm swimming in the rain

2011-11-26T07:51:00.001+11:00

I'm swimming in the rain

Just swimming in the rain

What a glorious feelin'

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds

So dark up above

The sun's in my heart...

The Pool opens 9:30 this morning regardless of the rain :)

80th birthday

2011-11-23T18:46:00.001+11:00

The official opening of Blackheath Pool took place – eighty years ago - during the 1931 Christmas holidays. Over ensuing years many, many thousands of happy swimmers have enjoyed this special place. In 1935 The Katoomba Daily declared it “...the finest park and swimming pool on the mountains” [quoted p.155 Blackheath Today from Yesterday (2005)]. Detailed historical information is available at http://ow.ly/7dvms.

Today Blackheath Pool is one of the most beautifully situated public swimming baths in Australia – set amongst sweeping lawns and the now mature rhododendrons, at over 1000 metres above sea level – providing swimming with altitude.

2011-11-19T07:12:00.001+11:00

after the windstorm - insurance concerns? consider this...

2011-11-17T23:10:00.001+11:00

a legal information session on MANAGING INSURANCE FOR

WIND, STORM AND FIRE DAMAGE.

Xmas pressie idea...

2011-11-17T22:12:00.001+11:00

[achievement #2] 300% patronage increase

2011-11-14T09:30:00.001+11:00

In February 2011 patronage vastly increased over the previous year.

The previous season there were 706 individual February visits, whereas in 2010-11 season there were 3,099 individual February visits!

That’s a 300%-plus increase; or an average of one hundred people through the gate every day! And most were middle-of-the-day visits. Sadly this success was overlooked in BMCC reports.

photo: 5PM Tuesday 1 February 2011 lap pool water 29.5C (air 31.5C)

This 300% increase was despite the strongest La Nina ever recorded, and a total of sixteen rain days in February 2011; and some continue to insist no-one uses The Pool - how absurd ;)

Aquarobics?

2011-11-13T05:04:00.001+11:00

register your interest with FoBP&MP member

Jane Chalker jc@exemail.com.au or 0409 364 640

just two weeks to go

2011-11-13T04:59:00.001+11:00

[achievement #1] pleasant swimming water

2011-11-11T08:21:00.001+11:00

The lap pool averages 23C throughout the season.

It is the only unheated outdoor pool in the mountains; it’s also in the coolest climate zone, yet the lap pool peaked at 29C on 1 February 2011!

The Pool *costs nothing* to heat, it is heated entirely by the sun.

In our new carbon-priced world could we ask for better efficiency?

This was achieved despite a very cool, wet summer.

As stated on ABC Radio in January 2011

“...this is the strongest La Nina ever recorded”*.

In the upper mountains December 2010 was the wettest in 15 years,

and the trend continued across the season:

19 rain days in January,

16 rain days in February,

22 rain days in March.

* Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe of Griffith University

speaking on ABC Radio National’s Late Night Live 24-Jan-2011

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/latenightlive/stories/2011/3119905.htm

Aquarobics anyone?

2011-11-05T08:42:00.000+11:00

register your interest with FoBP&MP member

Jane Chalker jc@exemail.com.au or 0409 364 640

Have a great Rhododendron Parade

Blackheath Memorial Park (& Pool) sildeshow http://ow.ly/7jDRM

Blackheath Pool: eighty years an enduring symbol of Peace

2011-10-31T08:27:00.000+11:00

Blackheath Pool and Memorial Park is in many senses the heart of the Blackheath community and a 'fragile oasis' at the top of the mountains. In the latest in a long tradition of Blackheath community activity surrounding The Pool, a three year concerted community campaign snatched Blackheath Pool from the brink of demolition. The fully renovated Pool reopened in 2006.

From the late 1870s a dam fed by natural creeks and hanging swamps was established. This was the water reservoir for steam engines reaching the highest point of the western railway crossing the Blue Mountains. After WW1 locals began showing interest in the area surrounding the dam for recreational purposes. In January 1919 the area was set aside as a reserve for recreation. In December of the same year the Blackheath Municipal Council was formed – a not unconnected event!

Two years later James Dawes, superintendent of Sydney's Centennial Park came to Blackheath to advise on the potential of the land to become a unique park. The citizens of Blackheath raised 1,000 pounds to finance development as a park. The Memorial Park was established by the community to comemmorate those who lost their lives in WW1, each rhododendron planted in memory of one of the 77 Blackheath casualties. The Park it is an enduring symbol of peace, and The Pool of the healing value of water.

Although swimming was officially prohibited, locals larrikins used the dam – irresistible on hot summer days. So the former dam was recognised as having potential as a swimming pool. In 1929 Blackheath Alderman Peter Sutton calls a public meeting which forms a Citizens' Committee to organise voluntary labour and raise funds. During community working bees on Wednesday afternoons and weekends the dams are cleaned out, graded to the necessary depths and the bottoms gravelled. Old railway sleepers are painted white and placed to define the embankments.

The Official opening took place – eighty years ago - during the 1931 Christmas holidays and over ensuing years many thousands of happy swimmers enjoy this special place. In 1935 The Katoomba Daily declared it “...the finest park and swimming pool on the mountains” [quoted p.155 Blackheath Today from Yesterday (2005)]. Detailed historical information is available at http://ow.ly/7dvms. Today Blackheath Pool is one of the most beautifully situated public swimming baths in Australia – set amongst sweeping lawns and the now mature rhododendrons, at over 1000 metres above sea level – providing swimming with altitude.

Blackheath Pool Opening Day Saturday 26 November 2011. Open every day of season 9:30AM to 6:30PM. Water averages a warm 23°C across the season. Request a DAY PASS which allows you to come and go as often as you like on any one day – swim early, picnic beneath the trees, swim again later.

Friends of Blackheath Pool and Memorial Park continues the community tradition – watching over this gem of the Mountains.

Have a great
Rhododendron Festival!
Blackheath Memorial Park (& Pool) sildeshow http://ow.ly/7jDRM

Swimming program helps dementia patients reignite memories - UQ News Online - The University of Queensland

2011-10-19T13:16:00.003+11:00

"A University of Queensland project team has created a specialised swim club to help people living with dementia rekindle the positive memories of swimming.

According to project leader of Watermemories Swim Club, Associate Professor Christine Neville from the UQ School of Nursing and Midwifery, the sensation of swimming will assist people diagnosed with dementia to access memories. “It is primarily a pleasure-based experience,” Associate Professor Neville said. "

Swimming program helps dementia patients reignite memories - UQ News Online - The University of Queensland

Teddy Bears Picnic - Saturday 22 October

2011-10-15T16:39:00.004+11:00

FoBP&MP collaborated with Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre & others on a Teddy Bears Picnic to celebrate Childrens Week 2011.
Was a big success on beautiful Blackheath Day 150+ kids, parents, friends & their Teddies attended

Took place Saturday 22^nd October from 11AM to 1PM in Blackheath Memorial Park beneath the shading oaks near the Duck Pond & resplendent in new Spring growth.

Pool to open 9:30AM to 6:30PM every day!

2011-10-11T22:40:00.001+11:00

We're very pleased to announce that Council voted this evening for Blackheath Pool to be open for a block of nine hours each & every day of the 2011-12 season. Hours will be 9:30AM to 6:30PM every day.

FoBP&MP campaigned across the off-season to achieve this outcome. We thank Mayor Daniel Myles for bringing the matter to tonight's meeting as a matter of urgency, and Cr Terri Hamilton for her support. BM Leisure Centres management & staff will now be able to proceed with planning the upcoming season, which commences on Saturday 26 November.

"New season will have something missing"...at Lithgow Pool

2011-09-10T11:25:00.000+10:00

http://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-season-will-have-something-missing/2286875.aspx

[Letter to Editor] Re: ‘Glenbrook in the swim’ (24 August 2011)

2011-08-31T21:38:00.000+10:00

Dear Sir,

It’s great to see Councillors working together to secure the future of Glenbrook Pool. This will benefit the whole Mountains swimming community. While revitalisation work is in progress we invite Glenbrook swimmers to join us at beautiful Blackheath Pool. Hop on the train for a leisurely stress-free ride up the hill, then a short stroll from the station. Average water temperature 23°C throughout the season. Opens 26 November with free fun day.

http://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/news/local/news/general/major-upgrade-for-glenbrook-pool/2268556.aspx

[Letter to Editor] Blackheath Pool - The Facts, BM Gazette 24-Aug-11

2011-08-28T06:12:00.003+10:00

Dear Sir,

· Blackheath Pool water temperatures last season averaged 23 degrees, peaking at 29 degrees. However, Blackheath Pool is heated purely by the sun. There is no cost to heat The Pool.

· Patronage in February 2011 increased by over 300% to 3099 visits, up from 706 visits the previous year, despite sixteen rain days in the wettest La Nina ever recorded.

· Overall cost increase last season, with the introduction of full time opening hours, averaged less than $5 per entry. Unfortunately opening hours are being reduced again this season.

Blackheath Pool is fully refurbished with added shade umbrellas. It is set in the Blackheath Memorial Park, with play equipment and picnic/barbeque facilities, and just 10 minutes walk from the station. The Pool is for the use of all mountains residents and visitors. Day passes are available so that you can spend the whole day there.

Join us and enjoy your rare and beautiful pool this summer.

Simon Hare,
for Friends of Blackheath Pool & Memorial Park

http://friendsofblackheathpool.blogspot.com

POOL HOURS - next season

2011-08-17T17:51:00.002+10:00

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK:
Council has decided to reduce Blackheath Pool’s hours for the 2011/12 season, and to return to a split-shift approach to opening hours outside school holidays i.e. 7-10AM & 3-7PM weekdays.

The Friends of Blackheath Pool & Memorial Park committee is considering recommending an alternative approach - to allocate hours in a single block across ALL days of the season.

We’ve come up with three options, and would like to know your opinions on:
1. 9AM to 6PM every day
2. 10AM to 7PM every day
3. 9AM to 6PM in school terms & 10AM to 7PM during school holidays

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Leave your thoughts here, or email friendsofblackheathpool@gmail.com
Thank you.

Blackheath Choir Festival 26 - 28 August

2011-07-28T12:16:00.001+10:00

2011 will see a record 31 choirs perform individual sets in six concerts over the course of the weekend. Each concert features 5 choirs singing their choice of music. Pop, opera, folk from many cultures, classical, comedy, gospel, political, ancient and modern - some a'cappella and some accompanied on a beautiful Steinway grand piano. More info at http://blackheathchoirfestival.weebly.com/

Look for The Pool brochure at The Festival!

Council decision on The Pool 28-Jun-11

2011-07-09T17:04:00.004+10:00

"Blackheath pool's opening hours will be cut back next season despite a boost in numbers during extended opening times last summer." BM Gazette 29-Jun-11

FoBP&MP comments on this BMCC decision below (see Business Paper Item 9 28 June 2011).

As Emeritus Prof. Ian Lowe* stated last January on Late Night Live “...this is the strongest La Nina ever recorded”. Wet weather necessarily pushes down patronage at any outdoor facility. But this is not taken into account assessing Blackheath Pool patronage in BMCC's Report. It would be interesting indeed to compare patronage stats at other outdoor BM pools!

Sure enough, in the upper mountains, December 2010 was the wettest in 15 years, and the trend continued across the season with 19 rain days in January, 16 rain days in February, and 22 rain days in March.

Sad summer weather aside, February patronage vastly INCREASED over the previous year. The bulk of that was middle-of-the-day visits. These are BMCC's own statistics: in 2010 there were 706 individual February visits, in 2011 there were 3099! That’s a more-than-300% increase. And this was once summer school holidays has finished. You couldn’t ask for better! But this too is missing from the report. Overall there’s a small increase in income despite appalling weather.

It may have been wet, but it was also warm. For the record – this unheated, outdoor The Pool was warm & pleasant – lap pool peaking at 29 degrees on February 1st. It can’t be emphasised too often that Blackheath Pool is WARM all summer long!

For Council to seek to cut-back community facilities in an area of socio-economic disadvantage seems anathema – we fail to see how this is “Looking after people”!!

All in all, we note a remarkably successful season given weather & congratulate BM Leisure Centres Staff & Management success.

* Professor Lowe ids President Australian Conservation Foundation; emeritus professor of science, technology and society at Griffith University on ABC RN’s Late Night Live 24-Jan-2011

***Please consider leaving your comments online on the BM Gazette article "Extended pool hours rejected" 29 Jun, 2011 11:14 AM BY KRYSTYNA POLLARD
(previous article is "Extra Blackheath pool visits cost council" 23 Jun, 2011 12:12 PM )

The Pool in space!!!

2011-06-08T08:40:00.001+10:00

We've listed FoBP&MP as a project on NASA’s Fragile Oasis site :
"It is very difficult to look at our beautiful Earth from space without being moved in some way.
One of the main goals of Fragile Oasis is to share this orbital perspective and inspire people to go out and make a difference; to go out and somehow make life better for those with whom they share this fragile oasis.
The Fragile Oasis community was established to unite in the common goal of sharing our humanity and improving our world.
Let us inspire, recognize, and help each other in our collective quest to make life better on our planet. Connecting Space & Earth. Learn, Act, Make a Difference"

Men Who Swim

2011-05-26T20:50:00.004+10:00

[historical] The Sydney Morning Herald, 21-Dec-1936

2011-05-24T15:00:00.006+10:00

BLUE MOUNTAINS.

"Playground of Australia.”

ATTRACTING TOURISTS

"The Government aims at making the Blue Mountains the playground of Australia," said the Minister for Local Government (Mr. Spooner) at a civic reception at Blackheath on Saturday.

Mr. Spooner visited Blackheath with a four-fold object - officially to open the children's playground, in Jubilee Park, to turn the first sod of the Blackheath sewerage scheme, to switch on the electric lighting of the Memorial Park, and to inaugurate the flood-lighting of the swimming pool.

To encourage tourists to Blue Mountains resorts, said Mr. Spooner, the Government had subsidised the Blackheath Council to the extent of £10,000 to enable works costing £20,000, comprising tar paving, road construction, park improvements, stormwater drainage construction, and provision of pleasure grounds.

The Minister said the Government was country-minded and developmental in outlook. It was helping to develop inland towns on a subsidised basis. The health of the residents and the visitors to a district was of paramount importance. The public was entitled to protection against unhealthy or insanitary conditions, and it was a fair thing for the taxpayer generally to pay some proportion of the cost.

The Blue Mountains, he said, were being popularised by the provision of better roads, faster train services, and the cheapening of hotel and other accommodation.

The Mayor of Blackheath (Alderman W. Cripps), speaking at the sewerage inauguration ceremony, said the cost of the sewerage scheme was estimated at £67,000, of which the Government would contribute £25,867. A loan to cover the council liability of £41,133 was being raised. Repayment of the loan would be over a period of 45 years, in equated half-yearly instalments of principal and interest at 3J per cent, amounting to £911. The town of Blackheath had a population of 2554, and it was anticipated that, with a modern sewerage system, material progress would be shown in the future. The work would absorb 30 men immediately, and 200 in a few weeks' time.

Among the large attendance were the former Minister for Works and Health (Mr. Weaver), the Mayor of Katoomba (Alderman W. Soper), the President of the Blue Mountains Shire (Councillor W. P. Mathews), the Deputy Mayor of Blackheath (Alderman H. P. Collier), the town clerk of Blackheath (Mr. F. C. Taylor), and the Town Clerk of Blue Mountains Shire (Mr. Pedder Scrivener).

At a civic dinner, Councillor Mathews advocated the formation of a County Council for the Blue Mountains.

During his visit to Blackheath Mr. Spooner, who was accompanied by Mrs. Spooner, motored to the various resorts, including Govett's Leap, the road to which: has been tar-paved. He watched the diving and swimming competitions in the flood-lit swimming pool.

Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 21 December 1936

Retrieved 24-May-2011 from http://trove.nla.gov.au

TEDxSydney@BANC 28 May 8AM-6PM

2011-05-21T08:26:00.001+10:00

This event is FREE.

If you’d like to attend you may REGISTER at www.tedxsydney.com/site/satelliteEvent.cfm
or Facebook users may register on BANC’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207601315936872.

Or just show up on the day. And come to as many or as few sessions as you wish.

BM Gazette "Blackheath Pool plans scuttled by council"

2011-05-18T18:16:00.002+10:00

Blackheath Memorial Park is a most beautiful public park - sweeping lawns & mature rhododendrons surround three kids play areas, a duck pond & free BBQ facility. But without adequate PUBLIC TOILETS it's underused by families & does not fulfill Council's stated aims for Child Friendly City either.

This is why FoBP&MP suggested Council look at ways to better utilise existing facilities within The Pool Pavilion. Currently these are closed to the public for eight months & open only during the four-month swimming seeason December to March each year.

BM Gazette article "Blackheath Pool plans scuttled by council" 18-May-11**
**NB the original BMCC Capital Works budget for the stand-alone toilets (which remains extant as result of this last Council meeting decision) is *$400K* - not $300K - as stated in this Gazette article!!
Even more reason to open access to Pavilion toilets.

Park TOILETS issue at Council 10-May-11

2011-05-18T18:05:00.002+10:00

BACKGROUND
Two years ago, Council’s own proposal to spend $400,000 on brand new toilets at Blackheath Memorial Park prompted FoBP&MP to suggest sharing the existing TOILETS at Blackheath Pool, consequently SAVING Council perhaps $300,000. So, in March last year, Council requested a Report to look into this matter. FoBP&MP found the resulting report inadequate. So we suggested a deferral of any decisions, ahead of a more considered report, with a more creative solution.

AT COUNCIL 10-May-11
The Memorial Park / Blackheath Pool fence line & year-round access to toilets matter came back to Council last Tuesday. Sadly it didn’t go as we hoped.

FoBP&MP felt the report in the Business Paper & Option B (the recommendation) lost the central notion of our suggestion – to share the Pavilion toilets with Park users.

So we spoke against the recommendation, & Cr Gibbs raised a deferral motion on our behalf – requesting a more in depth report. Cr Mays seconded this deferral motion.

Ward 4 Crs Greenhill & Creed spoke strongly against our deferral motion.
They persisted in seeing our position as a proposal to SPEND MORE on Blackheath Pool, & seemed unable to conceive that we were bringing a matter to Council that would SAVE money.
Four Councillors were absent – Crs Hamilton, McLaren, Luchetti & Clark - however the debate lasted a good half hour!!
Their position won.
No deferral, and report recommendations rejected.

This means the $400K allocation remains in Capital Works forward estimates for 2012-13 for a new separate toilet block.
And this proposed new toilet block remains in the Park Plan of Management.
So we don’t feel this is a huge loss.

We are forging links with those involved in the Child Friendly City proposals (adequate toilets being critical to kid-friendly parks) AND hope to revisit this matter, possibly in tandem with a ‘centenary of WW1’ rejuvenation of the Memorial Park.

Closed for the winter

2011-04-04T14:40:00.000+10:00

Yesterday Blackheath Pool closed for another off-season, along with other Blue Mountains outdoor pools. Friends of Blackheath Pool & Memorial Park will be reviewing both successes & shortcoming of last season. We'll be meeting with BM Leisure Centres management in coming weeks. Your feedback is welcome.

BLUE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY BOOK DRIVE

2011-02-24T08:55:00.003+11:00

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre: BLUE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY BOOK DRIVE - Brassall State School in Queensland was devastated by the floods • 65,000 books from the School libra..."

water stays WARM

2011-02-23T12:30:00.000+11:00

It's important to note that despite the last two nights' air temps dropping below 10.0C The Pool water has maintained its temperatures above 20.0C.

This morning at 8AM the Lap Pool was a pleasant 22.9C.

The Pool remains open until the end of March for your swimming pleasure :) To quote our previuos Mayor "use it or lose it" !!!

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre: SENIORS WEEK 2011 - Friday 18th March 2011 Event:...

2011-02-20T13:40:00.000+11:00

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre: SENIORS WEEK 2011 - Friday 18th March 2011

Event:...: "SENIORS WEEK 2011 - Friday 18th March 2011 Event: Guided Tour of Blackheath Memorial Park Venue: Entrance to Blackheath Memorial Park, Cor..."

doggie-friendly bubbler recently installed

2011-02-19T14:13:00.001+11:00

New bubbler near duck pond
NOTE tap & dog-height bowl at back ;)

Thank you BMCC for agreeing to FoBP&MP suggestion.

BARGAIN 2-month see-out-the-season passes

2011-02-04T12:55:00.003+11:00

With just over two months of the Blackheath Pool season to go SEE-OUT-THE-SEASON passes are available again.

adult $70 (saving $52 on full price)
concession $40 (saving $33 on full price)
family $145 (saving $125 on full price)

On sale Monday 7 Febraury 2011 at Blackheath Pool (4787 8018)

more vandalism...

2011-02-04T12:48:00.003+11:00

Sadly, vandals damaged two white shade umbrellas at Pool last night. This is second break-in this season. One umbrella is damaged beyond repair & BMCC will replace. The other is being repaired. It's very dispiriting.

crowds flock to Pool for OzDay

2011-01-27T10:12:00.000+11:00

The Pool was a popular spot yesterday. Mid afternoon air temps topped 33C. Patronage averaged 150 at any one time across the whole day. What a successful Australia Day! Former generations of proud Blackheathen Australians - who built The Pool - will be smiling on us ;)

7th anniversary 'Pool Party Without A Pool'

2011-01-25T20:46:00.006+11:00

Seven years ago the Blackheath Community gathered to protest temporary closure of Blackheath Pool, and to urge Council to reconsider a permanent closure...

...the following day a unanimous decision by Council at it’s 27 January meeting secured the future of Blackheath Pool. So that today we continue to enjoy our beautiful swimming basin set in sweeping lawns & surrounded by mature rhododendrons & native bushland at a unique 1,065 metres above sea level.

For more see FIVE YEARS AGO

don't forget your PASS-OUT!

2011-01-25T18:05:00.002+11:00

On any one day, once you've paid entry to Blackheath Pool, you may come and go as often as you please, using a Blackheath Pool Pass-Out.

** This is a facility available ONLY at Blackheath Pool **

Allows you to swim, have a picnic lunch & swim again later etc. A great idea for Australia Day!

And don't forget pop-up shade & sunscreen is free too!

Happy Australia Day from FoBP&MP.

Poolside e-news No.3

2011-01-25T13:36:00.001+11:00

Welcome to a Poolside e-news focussed on attendance.

as you’d know we suddenly have a flush of summer – water temperatures over recent days have hovered close to 25C;
both memberships & casual visits are up over previous years;
season-wide patronage has been better than expected considering variable weather;
an indication of high patronage is the kiosk completely running out of stock last weekend!!
yesterday 150-odd thru gate;
perhaps BMCC/FoBP&MP hard work on promoting The Pool is paying off at last?
we hope tomorrow - Australia Day - will see patronage close to records set on New Year’s Day ;)
Pool Supervisor Jake Burton will provide detailed patronage statistics to FoBP&MP meeting on 10 February;
part of the lawn is well enough to open this afternoon, and with luck all will open tomorrow;
as an bonus the magnolia tree is in full bloom wafting heavy perfume on the breezes;
Come on down The Pool & enjoy

turtle rescue

2011-01-25T06:42:00.003+11:00

One recent morning lifeguard Rebecca noticed non-human objects swimming in the lap pool, but realsing they weren't ducks she went to investigate. On discovering two native turtles on a hunting & gathering mission, she fished them out & returned them to the duck pond.
Reportedly the turtles were NOT impressed - their long uphill walk coming to nought.

gorgeous down The Pool 8:30AM

2011-01-22T14:35:00.003+11:00

Busy with lap swimmers - out of frame below - rapidly filling with swimmers by 9:30 when I left...

map & directions on foursquare

2011-01-20T09:10:00.001+11:00

"Blackheath Pool is one of the most beautifully situated public swimming pools in Australia, set amongst sweeping lawns & mature rhododendrons, at 1065 metres above sea level in the Blue Mountains of NSW. Lap pool, leisure pool & shaded toddlers pool."

Map & directions: http://foursquare.com/venue/13264453

2011-01-14T14:38:00.000+11:00

Advice from Australian Red Cross

A useful resource for family & friends caught in the disaster zone. Please pass on.

A recommended range of practical ‘how to’ FLOOD CLEAN-UP fact sheets developed by the Australian Red Cross – they advise “It is important to start clearing out and drying your home as soon as the rain has stopped and the water receded”.

Go here http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_disasteremergencyservices_recover_after-floods.htm

Pool is holding its warmth

2011-01-13T10:10:00.001+11:00

Good morning Simon

Good news, despite the poor weather the 25m pool is holding at 22.7degrees not to bad at all. I swam some laps yesterday and it was perfect.

The leisure pool is at 22.6degrees

And the tots is at 21.6 Degrees

Have a good day

Reece Boothroyd (Aquatic Supervisor Blackheath)

SeaTeePee

2011-01-09T13:33:00.001+11:00

A good look for next summer?

http://www.beachshelter.com.au/about.shtml

Seven Seas

2011-01-09T01:04:00.002+11:00

For the purists, here's the original clip: http://youtu.be/iuE3uc2cBCk

Once upon a time...

2011-01-07T16:52:00.001+11:00

Thanks to Philip Hay for this contribution.

Does anyone know the date?

New Years Day

2011-01-06T13:53:00.002+11:00

New Years Day attendance topped 600, as the air temperature topped 32C.

Today's a little cooler ;)
At 11:30AM the lap pool was a very pleasant 22.8C, while the air was 14.8C

Happy New Year 2011 everyone.

Poolside e-news

2010-12-23T17:51:00.001+11:00

Welcome to this summer’s ‘Poolside e-news’ – the first in a (very) occasional series – alerting you to what’s hot at Blackheath Pool.

• Today’s water: Lap pool=22.1C Freeform=21.8C Toddlers=20.8C (air=26.3C) – free daily temp updates on Twitter http://twitter.com/Blackheath_Pool
• Lifeguards Jake & Reece have the facility looking neat as a new pin
• Sixty-odd patrons across day to 3PM, more arriving as this correspondent was leaving
• Regular lap swimmers have been at Pool every morning
• Three new shade umbrellas have attracted favourable comment (they’re positioned near lap pool)
• Tables have been relocated to eastern perimeter fence, leaving central bricked deck area free of obstacles
• Pop-up shade may be used on bricked area until lawn is revived
• Turf settling in well, but may be another month before the lawn can be opened for use
• Sundial has a new brick surround (previously mud & struggling grass)
• Mens change room has been repainted (perhaps my colleagues can advise on conditions in Ladies?)
• brand new BMCC Pools website launched today http://www.bmleisurecentres.com.au/
• Lap pool water temperatures stayed above 18.3 throughout last week despite our 3.0C start on Monday last!!!
• Merry Xmas

**** Please this pass on potential pool users ****

Night swimming (almost)...

2010-12-23T13:33:00.008+11:00

NB 5-7PM at Blackheath Pool

...not quite R.E.M's "Nightswimming",

but you could hum it while you're in the Pool. ;)

brand new BMCC Pools website launches today

2010-12-23T13:16:00.002+11:00

http://www.bmleisurecentres.com.au/

"Blue Mountains City Council has five dedicated leisure centres throughout the Blue Mountains all offering different facilities. There are two Leisure centres open year round, one at Katoomba and one at Springwood each with a range of competitive and recreational pools and programs as well as Fitness centres and group fitness available. The three outdoor pool facilities at Glenbrook, Lawson and Blackheath each have a range of competitive and recreational pools and are open seasonally."

OPENING DAY tomorrow

2010-12-17T13:49:00.004+11:00

Pool opens tomorrow Saturday 18 December

Open every weekday 7AM-7PM, 8AM-7PM weekends & public holidays, through to end of March.

On Wednesday the water temperatures were:

lap-pool 24.5C, free-form pool 25C, toddlers pool 23C
(NB it’s 20.5C at Bondi)

For daily temperature updates follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Blackheath_Pool

Blackheath Pool holiday passes available – an ideal Xmas gift!

Use EVERY DAY from Boxing Day to end of January

Adult $49 / Kids & concessions $35 / Family $114

contact Blackheath Pool for more info: 4787 8018

Kids Free Swim Lesson

Uncle Tobys is offering kids free Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive lessons.

Collect 4 tokens from participating Uncle Tobys packs at Woolworths to claim your free swim lesson.

http://www.swimkids.com.au

Free Swim Lesson

2010-12-16T19:54:00.001+11:00

This summer, Uncle Tobys is doing our bit for Aussie kids by offering free Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive lessons. Simply collect 4 tokens from participating Uncle Tobys packs at Woolworths to claim your free swim lesson.

http://www.swimkids.com.au/

"Swim & Survive" Uncle Tobys & Royal Life Saving Society

2010-12-16T19:44:00.000+11:00

What is Swim and Survive?

Swim and Survive is a comprehensive swimming and water safety initiative of Royal Life Saving that seeks to increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australian children in order to prevent drowning and increase participation in safe aquatic activity.

Swim & Survive will be offered at Blackheath Pool - more info http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/453-what-is-swim-and-survive.asp

Adults Learn to Swim

2010-12-16T19:38:00.002+11:00

Now that summer is here there'll be crowds at the pool and the beach. But what if you can't swim? Parents are encouraged to teach their children to swim but an increasing number of adults can't swim and don't have water safety skills. Lifesaver Rob Bradley, swimming teacher Tracey Ayton and Jan Park, an adult learner, discuss the barriers to adults learning to swim and the need for a national focus on survival skills.
Listen to discussion on ABC Radio National's Life Matters 16-Dec-10.

WATER deee-licious & dee-lightful :)

2010-12-15T16:00:00.000+11:00

Three days to opening. TEMPS - lap-pool 24.5C, free-form pool 25C, toddlers pool 23C - deee-licious & dee-lightful :)

HOLIDAY Pass = Xmas Gift suggestion

2010-12-15T15:33:00.002+11:00

Blackheath Pool has holiday passes available for sale from opening day, for use EVERY DAY from Boxing Day to end of January - an ideal Xmas gift!

Adult $49 / Kids & concessions $35 / Family $114
contact Blackheath Pool for more info: 4787 8018

FIVE days to opening

2010-12-13T17:10:00.001+11:00

Just five more sleeps until opening day Saturday 18th, and weather predications promising... see Blackheath Weather site Local Weather News http://www.blackheathweather.com/localobs.html

SEVEN DAYS to opening

2010-12-11T09:32:00.001+11:00

It's just SEVEN DAYS to opening day Saturday 18 December

2010-12-06T16:56:00.000+11:00

THREE new umbrellas to be installed adjacent to north end of lap pool - these join the five installed last season
two picnic tables to be relocated perpendicular to eastern fence
Jake’s organised a banner at Blackheath Station on opening day, and there’s a poster on each side of the station platform
Brickwork paving over balance tank is being completed today
Lawn topsoil is being laid today, awaiting some drainage of waterlogged lawn area before laying turf
Ttell folks to check their Uncle Tobys cereal boxes for the free kids Learn to Swim passes
All Pools are now filled & circulation system is running – water is 23°C today ;)

New entry signage

2010-12-05T08:57:00.000+11:00

The Outdoor Swimming Society Festive Dip, Parliament Hill Lido, London, Dec 2009

2010-11-27T04:51:00.001+11:00

"Outdoor swimming is the most intimate relationship you can have with the natural world, it's only by jumping in... that you can get inside nature..."
poet Owen Sheers, Outdoor Swimming Society, London Dec 2009

... and we think our water's not warm enough ;)

Poor Attendance Myth

2010-11-19T17:14:00.000+11:00

[letter to BM Gazette, printed 17-Nov-2010]

Dear Sir/Ms,

We seek to correct the misconception about poor attendance levels at Blackheath Pool (BMG p.1 10-Nov-10).

The Pool has frequently been CLOSED half of the day!

Since re-opening in February 2006, at no time has The Pool been open consistently.

We have had split-shifts, late opening, early closing – a different set of hours each season.

FoBP&MP has worked hard with BM Leisure Centres staff to ensure this season will be different.

There are to be no mixed messages about opening times.

This season The Pool will be OPEN FULL TIME.

We know consistency is critical - we hear the complaints from visitors & locals alike.

Full-time opening hours and a concerted promotional push is expected to significantly increase both community and tourist patronage.

There’s extraordinary community goodwill for Blackheath Pool, we want to make it a successful & financially viable season.

As soon as it opens, come on down everyone & enjoy a swim - all day, every day til 7PM.

Regards,

Simon Hare, Jennifer Kelly, Lyn York,
convenors, Friends of Blackheath Pool & Memorial Park

Sadly 18 DECEMBER is firming as opening day

2010-11-19T15:39:00.001+11:00

Wet winter weather slowed BMCC work on balance tank, so sadly 18 DECEMBER is firming as opening day. There's a slim chance of earlier opening, but it'll require a small miracle - an incredible change to warm, dry weather i.e. La Nina's brother making a sudden return!

However, when it does open, it's all day, every day til 7PM.

A Report due at Council 23-November-2010 states:

"It is unavoidable that rainfall has delayed works on the Blackheath Pool balance tank. Based on the works outstanding and the future weather forecast works are expected to be completed in mid December. There are no realistic options for accelerating the remaining works in order to open the pool by 27th November."

Full report in BMCC Business Paper 'Looking After People' p.74-75 - Item 21: Blackheath Pool Delayed Opening 2010-2011 Season.

slab poured

2010-11-15T14:12:00.003+11:00

Concrete slab photographed drying in yesterday's warm morning sun, Sunday 14-Nov-10...

...sadly the weather has broken today - to rain - but initial drying has occurred, so can only be good news. Note pallets of bricks & pile of sand - clear evidence that pour was a success.

balance tank progress

2010-11-12T00:04:00.000+11:00

Our new Centre Suprevisor Jake Burton is doing a great job pulling out all stops to achieve a Blackheath Pool opening as close to 27 November as possible.

Though we still need a run of dry weather to dry concrete balance tank cover, December 18 is worst case scenario.

Outline as follows:

tomorrow the concrete slab over the balance tank lid is due to be poured;
drying of the concrete is of course weather dependent and best estimate is that it will take a week to dry (to 17 Nov));
BMCC tradesmen are clear that Pool is high priority;
sealing, plumbing and tiling works will follow; brick work paving will be completed & lawns rejuvented at same time;
once paving in place, three new white shade umbrellas & picnic tables will be positioned in consulation with FoBP&MP;
final filling of three pools & two tanks (balance tank & plant tank) will follow;
two p/t Aquatic Supervisor positions have been appointed – they are Reece Boothroyd & Rebecca Pike – training & familiariseation with Jake next week;
posters are in distribution – locations include: schools, community noticeboard, station, pubs, libraries, more to follow - you’ll see them around town & further afield;
inserts have been placed in school newsletters;
entry wall display-case due to be installed tomorrow;
change room floors to be re-done under 10-year warranty by original installers;
new first-aid facility to be insatlled in Ambulance Station;
in addtuion to season passes, passes to be sold for period 26 dec to 30 Jan $49/adult, $35/child & concession; 10-visit passes also avaliable;
Twilghlight Family Passes - every Saturday night 5-7PM throughout season $10;
Aquarobics classes available in four-week blocks – once/week x 45mins, enough have expressed interest for these to be run;
Learn to swim intensives will be offered dependent on need;
weed clearance at Pool is being done with environemntally sensetive weedkiller, non-toxic to wildlife;

Thanks to Jake for his commitment & hard work.

LID is on!

2010-11-05T17:35:00.001+11:00

Yesterday a crane put in place concrete elements of the balance tank lid.
A very good sign.
There remain some works outstanding, they include:
- A concrete slab laid on top of the lid, weather dependent
- Tiling of the pool at both ends
- Connection of the pipe work and some minor plumbing works
- Restoration of the paving
- Restoration of the grounds

Two views of the lid taken this afternoon:

delay to opening

2010-11-01T13:38:00.000+11:00

Final repair work on the balance tank may mean a postponement of proposed opening date.
We are working with BMCC staff & Councillors towards a resolution that sees the Pool open as close to planned 27th November date as possible.

Wet weather may indeed force the delay to 18th December, but this is worst case scenario.

5 weeks to go

2010-10-25T07:04:00.000+11:00

new Blackheath Pool poster out soon

2010-10-22T14:57:00.003+11:00

Centre Supervisor (Blackheath) announced

2010-10-22T14:53:00.002+11:00

Our new full time pool manager begins work at Blackheath Pool on Monday, getting The Pool ready for opening day.

regular monthly meeting

2010-10-12T14:29:00.000+11:00

Thursday 14 October 2010, 18:00 - 19:30

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC) Gardiner Crescent Blackheath, Australia

Pls RSVP friendsofblackheathpool@gmail.com & we'll email you an agenda.

Aquatic Supervisors (Blackheath x 2)

2010-09-12T11:02:00.000+10:00

http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcouncil/careers/vacancies/aquaticsupervisorblackheath
These positions are temporary, part-time from 26 November 2010 to 3 April 2011. One position is for 21.75 hours per week and the other is for 26.5 hours per week. Both positions are located at the Blackheath Pool.

These positions are responsible for the safe supervision of a shift including the organization of staff and resources and managing programs, customer service.

These positions require a high level of expertise in aquatic operations, staff leadership and customer service skill. Applicants will be required to hold a current Lifeguard Award, First aid certificate and hold or be undertaking Certificate III Aquatic Operations and Supervision

Salary: $21.57 gross per hour.
For further information contact: Briston Toft on (02) 4780 5152.
Closing date: 24 September 2010.

congrats to GetUp!

2010-09-10T13:39:00.000+10:00

Election Report Back - GetUp! - a qucik video summary of some very significant pre-election achievements ;) http://t.co/ik1mRpF via @youtube
Thanx GetUP!

CONTINUOUS OPENING HOURS 2010/11 season

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000+10:00

POOL OPENING HOURS: daily 7AM-7PM weekdays & 8AM-7PM weekends

• anticipating a successful 2010/11 season,
with new Blackheath POOL SUPERVISOR in charge

• three more white SHADE umbrellas to be installed

• free LEARN TO SWIM lessons, courtesy Uncle Tobys

• Pool water is WARMER than you think!
See www.twitter.com/Blackheath_Pool for daily temperature updates, or call Blackheath Pool (02) 4787-8018.

FREE Community OPEN DAY Saturday 27 November

See you ‘down the Pool’

Blackheath Memorial Park Plan of Management (PoM)

2010-08-16T18:55:00.000+10:00

The Blackheath Memorial Park Plan of Management (PoM) is available online.

This PoM was adopted by Blue Mountains City Council in December 2009.

A PDF version is available - it is a 5MB+ file / 90 page document - & this link is direct to the download - so do consider your bandwidth ahead of clicking link :
http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/download.cfm?f=B98FD6CB-423B-CE58-A11AB2399CDA6D6A

-

Blackheath Pool Centre Supervisor advertised

2010-08-14T13:49:00.000+10:00

One upshot of our campaign for a full-time swimming season this summer has been the creation of a full-time BMCC job managing the Pool. This is something we believe is vital to the success of this coming season (& the future).

Consequently, the Blackheath Pool Centre Supervisor job was recently advertised on the Council website, on http://www.sportspeople.com.au/ / http://tinyurl.com/2eaz644 and in the Blue Mountains Gazette 4 & 11 August.

The closing date is 20 August 2010.
The successful applicant will take up the position in November.

Needless to say this is a very positive outcome for the viability of our Pool.

regular monthly meeting

2010-08-10T06:33:00.001+10:00

Thursday 12 August 2010, 18:00 - 19:30
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC) Gardiner Crescent Blackheath, Australia

Pls RSVP friendsofblackheathpool@gmail.com & we'll email you an agenda.

Blackheath Pool Foundation

2010-07-20T11:28:00.002+10:00

We are seeking a pro-bono financial/legal whizz to help set-up a Blackheath Pool Foundation – any ideas?

balance tank fix continues...

2010-05-20T13:04:00.001+10:00

7-7 x 7 next season!

2010-05-19T10:59:00.002+10:00

Last night Council voted - Blackheath Pool WILL open 7AM to 7PM every day next season, apart from 8AM opening on weekend & public holidays in line with other Blue Mountains pools!

Thank you Councillors.

Middle of day closure - NEXT season 2010-2011

2010-05-04T11:22:00.000+10:00

Middle of day closure at Blackheath Pool was a cost-saving experiment that is clearly a false-economy, as it prevents patronage!

It causes confusion amongst patrons. Middle of day closure places Blackheath Pool at a lower level of service delivery than other BM outdoor pools. Blackhesth Pool is an unheated pool, so in the cooler months the warmest, middle part of day is best for swimming! These are the kinds of comments made to us. Blackheath & District Chamber of Commerce & Community supports this call for continuous opening on the grounds that “the split-shift during school terms has a clear negative impact on local businesses & tourism operators.”

The Pool should open continuously throughout the day.

In parallel with continuous opening we feel it’s critical to build patronage – particularly getting kids back to the Pool, building a solid client-base, as they’re the patrons of the future. So in the coming season we propose a range of promotional strategies to increase kids patronage.

Blackheath Pool has a unique character as a principally recreational facility, distinctively different from other mountains pools, but provided for all mountains residents, and as a ‘destination’ for tourists.

This concept anchors our call for a promotional push re-branding of the Pool as “...our mountains beach”.

Reconstruction work in progress...

2010-04-28T23:06:00.000+10:00

...view thruogh south gate of temporary access pathway across lawn to construction site

removed turf stacked near western fenceline...

...construction site: picnic tables & bricked surface removed in preparation for works

bricks stacked on palettes adjacent to lap-pool near weatern fenceline...

balance tank FIX begins...

2010-04-09T18:36:00.001+10:00

Well sadly the summer season is over for another year.

BUT the work on the new balance tank has begun - with the brick surface above the balance tank being removed in preparation for reconstruction work.

Blackheath Pool: summer swimming since 1931

after the Hailstorm in Katooomba

INCREASED ACCESS TO THE POOL

'Quiet Carriage'? Yes please!

Spring 1963

***BLACKHEATH POOL feedback: CUSTOMER SERVICE QUALITY SURVEY

"Bubbles & a good lie down"

Pool & Park brief mention on 'By Design'

Memorial Park - NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

Visitors Book

Five-Star Water Safety Rating

once upon a time in America :)

don't forget your DAY PASS **available Blackheath ONLY**

handy new wallet card

North Bondi children's pool

ask for a Day Pass

I'm swimming in the rain

80th birthday

after the windstorm - insurance concerns? consider this...

Xmas pressie idea...

[achievement #2] 300% patronage increase

Aquarobics?

just two weeks to go

[achievement #1] pleasant swimming water

Aquarobics anyone?

Blackheath Pool: eighty years an enduring symbol of Peace

Swimming program helps dementia patients reignite memories - UQ News Online - The University of Queensland

Teddy Bears Picnic - Saturday 22 October

Pool to open 9:30AM to 6:30PM every day!

"New season will have something missing"...at Lithgow Pool

[Letter to Editor] Re: ‘Glenbrook in the swim’ (24 August 2011)

[Letter to Editor] Blackheath Pool - The Facts, BM Gazette 24-Aug-11

POOL HOURS - next season

We’ve come up with three options, and would like to know your opinions on:1. 9AM to 6PM every day2. 10AM to 7PM every day3. 9AM to 6PM in school terms & 10AM to 7PM during school holidaysWHAT DO YOU THINK?Leave your thoughts here, or email friendsofblackheathpool@gmail.comThank you.

Blackheath Choir Festival 26 - 28 August

Council decision on The Pool 28-Jun-11

The Pool in space!!!

Men Who Swim

[historical] The Sydney Morning Herald, 21-Dec-1936

TEDxSydney@BANC 28 May 8AM-6PM

BM Gazette "Blackheath Pool plans scuttled by council"

Park TOILETS issue at Council 10-May-11

Closed for the winter

BLUE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY BOOK DRIVE

water stays WARM

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre: SENIORS WEEK 2011 - Friday 18th March 2011 Event:...

doggie-friendly bubbler recently installed

BARGAIN 2-month see-out-the-season passes

more vandalism...

crowds flock to Pool for OzDay

7th anniversary 'Pool Party Without A Pool'

don't forget your PASS-OUT!

Poolside e-news No.3

turtle rescue

gorgeous down The Pool 8:30AM

map & directions on foursquare

Pool is holding its warmth

SeaTeePee

Seven Seas

Once upon a time...

New Years Day

Poolside e-news

Night swimming (almost)...

brand new BMCC Pools website launches today

OPENING DAY tomorrow

Free Swim Lesson

This summer, Uncle Tobys is doing our bit for Aussie kids by offering free Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive lessons. Simply collect 4 tokens from participating Uncle Tobys packs at Woolworths to claim your free swim lesson.

"Swim & Survive" Uncle Tobys & Royal Life Saving Society

What is Swim and Survive?

Adults Learn to Swim

WATER deee-licious & dee-lightful :)

HOLIDAY Pass = Xmas Gift suggestion

FIVE days to opening

SEVEN DAYS to opening

New entry signage

The Outdoor Swimming Society Festive Dip, Parliament Hill Lido, London, Dec 2009

Poor Attendance Myth

Sadly 18 DECEMBER is firming as opening day

slab poured

balance tank progress

don't forget your DAY PASS available Blackheath ONLY

We’ve come up with three options, and would like to know your opinions on:
1. 9AM to 6PM every day
2. 10AM to 7PM every day
3. 9AM to 6PM in school terms & 10AM to 7PM during school holidays

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Leave your thoughts here, or email friendsofblackheathpool@gmail.com
Thank you.