COOLING off in the Cannon Hill parish swimming pool has been a long-time habit for the surrounding community for almost 50 years.
In April 1964, former Cannon Hill parish priest Fr John Kelly assembled a Catholic Swimming Pool Committee with plans to establish a community pool on the parish land.
Parishioners helped the parish priest to build the pool in Cannon Hill, which was then making a transition as a semi-rural area to suburban land.
Now almost 50 years later, Cannon Hill’s parish priest Fr Mark Percival is leading a new project to renovate the pool and “bring it to modern standards” in time for its 50th anniversary next year.
Fr Percival believed the initial committee which developed the pool had intended to use it as an outreach project to “benefit the local area”.
He said the pool was a valuable facility for “supporting the health and fitness of the local children and bringing together local families”.
“Swimming and surf lifesaving champions and children of all swimming abilities have benefited from and enjoyed using the pool over the years and there is no doubt that this enthusiasm continues today,” Fr Percival said.
The parish has already received funding from two government grants and copious community support, but Fr Percival said he would happily receive more.
“Fundraising is ongoing and any community support is welcome and gratefully received,” he said.
The project is driven by the spirit of collaboration and volunteering and is motivated by supporting the young in the community.
While the pool’s shell is still in good condition, the parish is hoping to increase funding to upgrade the change rooms, accessibility facilities, and to include heating and solar powered units.
For more information and to support the parish, contact the parish secretary on 3899 2837.
