ABOVE: At the Coraki Public Swimming Pool in the back row are council staff Andrew Leach, Chris Gulaptis MP, council staff Liz Flatley and Marie Cullen with lifeguard Sue Comerford. In the front row are pool committee members Susan Ellis, Barbara Gifford, mayor Robert Mustow, Chesne Olive, Veronica Martin and Debra McGillan. Photo: Susanna Freymark
Susanna Freymark
Coraki’s public swimming pool will be way more family friendly when a play area for toddlers is built.
Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow and State MP Chris Gulaptis joined the Coraki Swimming Pool committee to celebrate a $212,000 State Government grant to build the water play area.
The design could be based on something similar to the water play area at Lismore Heritage Park.
Mr Mustow said council staff would consult with the pool committee about what would be in the play area.
Committee member Veroncia Martin said the play area would be most welcome.
“There’s nothing for the toddlers to do while parents are looking after other kids,” Ms Martin said.
The Coraki community built a learn to swim pool in the 1960s after a couple of children drowned in the river, Ms Martin said.
Coraki pool has improved since then. The mural on the toilet block wall was painted by Sharon Walker and brightens the whole area.
Last year new steps were installed for disabled access into the pool.
“We had aerobics classes here with up to 14 women and some of them were in their 80s,” Ms Martin said.
“We had to use a milk crate so they could get out of the pool.”
With the new steps and a water play area to come, Coraki Swimming Pool is looking to be the best place to go in summer.
On the new disabled access steps are pool committee members Chesne Olive and Barbara Gifford. Photo: Susanna Freymark
