Unveilling the plaque to mark the reopening of the pool are, from left, Save the Pakenham Pool Committee president Dot Murphy, Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere, pool campaigner Heather Shallard, Sports Minister James Merlino and Cr Bill Ronald.
HUNDREDS of residents made a splash when the Pakenham Outdoor Pool finally reopened on Saturday.
Pakenham Pool campaigner Dot Murphy cut a ceremonial ribbon, officially ending a six-year battle to reopen the Anderson Street facility.
More than 300 peopled lined the new-look pool for the opening ceremony, and more than 800 took advantage of the free admission to take the plunge during the day.
The Cardinia Shire closed the pool in 2001 and it was decommissioned a year later, sparking community outrage and debate.
But councillor Bill Ronald’s re-election at the last council poll and financial support from the State Government ensured the pool’s future. Council funded the $1 million refurbishment project with a $333,000 contribution from the State Government. Cr Ronald said it was great to see the town out in force and enjoying the pool once again.
“This is just fantastic,” he said.
“It’s a great result after years of hell around the council table.”
Mrs Murphy, who has been named the pool’s number one ticket holder, said she was glad the fight was officially over.
“It’s just great to see the happiness back in the place,” she said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere said the reopening would be of great benefit to the community, especially the younger generation.
“The Pakenham Pool is about the hundreds – and the thousands – of children over time who will develop great friendships and benefit socially, physically and emotionally from the refurbishment,” she said.
