The name for Corowa’s overall $10.3 million aquatic centre will be decided at Federation Council’s monthly zoom meeting on August 19, after consulting the pool advisory committee.
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Several names and thoughts were expressed at council’s monthly meeting last Thursday, July 30 by councillors before council seeks the committee’s views and recommendation.
Cr Paul Miegel dived in first, suggesting ‘Corowa Swim Centre’ would be appropriate after advising the long running project is one of the most exciting projects in which involved past Corowa Shire Council councilors.
Cr Fred Longmire believed consultation with the advisory committee was necessary because so many different names could be advanced.
The word ‘Federation’ should be included according to Cr David Longley, to reflect the broader community. “The majority of people in Federation live outside Corowa,” he reasoned.
‘Regional’ should be in the title as well, as far as Cr Bronwyn Thomas was concerned, to capture that wider patronage.
Mayor Pat Bourke said he liked ‘Corowa Regional Aquatic Centre’. “But is it too long?” he asked. “Perhaps Corowa Aquatic Centre?”
Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch said regardless of what it has been called “Corowa Memorial Pool or whatever, at the end of the day you always ‘went to the pool’.”
But he didn’t favour limiting the name to ‘pool’ with the real possibility, say in five years, of there being further attractions at the site such as rock climbing, wall climbing and tree top swings. But he would not think people would be googling ‘Regional’ or ‘Federation’, rather some title containing ‘Corowa’.
The size of the name is significant according to Cr Gail Law. “There is only so much space for the name and it’s not going to be fifteen miles long. Use the KISS approach: Keep it simple. ‘Corowa Aquatic Centre’ sounds good,” she said.
Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler said the new aquatic centre to comprise a 50-metre pool, 25-metre indoor pool, indoor reception, administration and café area, amenities and storage areas, and splash park, is progressing well with construction works at the Ball Park precinct site on schedule for a mid-2021 opening.
“It is proposed that council runs the new aquatic centre for a period of two to three years to gain a thorough understanding of all day-to-day operational aspects of the facility,” he said.
“This will also provide council with valuable insights about the business and operational performance of the pool, along with future opportunities, and in the meantime allow further consideration of alignments with other nearby commercial activities, such as the Ball Park Caravan Park and foreshore precinct as they continue to be developed.
“After this period, it is advised that council reviews this arrangement and considers all feasible operational models to ensure the best financial outcomes for council while ensuring a high standard of service is maintained for the community.”
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