Communities across the Tamworth region will soon be able to make a splash, with local swimming pools reopening for the 2026-27 summer season following a series of upgrades.
The reopening will give residents and families across the region access to affordable recreational opportunities, swimming lessons and places to stay active and connected during the warmer months.
Tamworth Olympic Swimming Pool will reopen on Monday, 12 October, followed by Barraba, Kootingal, Manilla and Nundle memorial swimming pools on Tuesday, 13 October.
South and West Tamworth Memorial Pool will reopen on Saturday, 17 October, initially operating on limited hours, with opening times to increase as demand grows.
Tamworth Regional Council has spent the winter months completing inspections, repairs and upgrades to ensure the region’s ageing aquatic facilities remain safe and accessible for local communities.
Council Aquatics Coordinator Gary Johnson said maintaining the pools was essential to ensuring residents continued to benefit from the facilities.
“Many of our public pools are between 50 and 80 years old, so ongoing maintenance is essential to keep them operating safely, efficiently and reliably for our communities,” Johnson said.
“During the off-season, our teams have carried out annual servicing of circulation pumps and chemical dosing systems, along with a range of upgrades and refurbishment works across the region.”
At Barraba Memorial Swimming Pool, improvements include repairs, repainting, new waterline tiles and refurbishment of the toddlers’ pool, alongside upgrades to chemical storage facilities.
Manilla Memorial Swimming Pool has received replacement water pipes and a new after-hours access gate, expected to become operational by early December.
Waterproofing, tiling and resurfacing works have been completed at Nundle Memorial Swimming Pool, while new stairs at Kootingal Memorial Swimming Pool will improve accessibility for swimmers.
Beyond the summer season, Council is also planning for the region’s long-term aquatic needs, with community feedback helping shape the proposed Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with Council’s Have Your Say campaign for the Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence,” Johnson said.
“The feedback we’ve received highlights just how important year-round aquatic facilities are for learn-to-swim programs, rehabilitation, fitness and community wellbeing, and it is providing great support for our efforts to secure additional funding for the project.”
Residents are encouraged to continue sharing their views on the proposed facility through Council’s Have Your Say website at haveyoursay.tamworth.nsw.gov.au.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au