Newcastle inland pools experience busiest summer in almost 30 years

One year after BlueFit began operating all five of Newcastle’s inland pools, a 33% increase in attendance has been recorded compared to the same time last season.

With a month of the season remaining, the pools have attracted 410,000 visitors with this attendance marking Council inland pools’ busiest summer in almost 30 years - the highest annual visitation since the 1997/98 season.

Further cementing their popularity, customer satisfaction surveys conducted throughout the season by BlueFit found that 88% of respondents are likely to continue using CN's inland pools in the future.

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council has prioritised investment in the city’s much loved community facilities to ensure they are inclusive and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Mayor Nuatali Nelmes noted "we know visitor numbers were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these statistics prove our pools are more popular than ever.

"Our five inland pools hosted 91 special events and carnivals across the summer, as well as six major events including the Australian Water Polo League Games, Diving NSW Country Championships and NSW Underwater Hockey championships.

"We're committed to maintaining and investing in our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community.

"It's part of our 'Inland Pools Strategy 2043' which includes accessibility upgrades and redeveloped changeroom facilities."

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre enjoyed a significant increase in attendance with almost 48% more people choosing to cool off at the facility compared to the previous year.

Council’s first inland pool received its new $2.2 million grandstand just in time for Christmas to help accommodate more than 26,000 extra visitors across January, February and March.

BlueFit’s customer survey revealed that 95% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the new grandstand, which now includes much-needed storage space and upgraded accessibility.

City of Newcastle’s decision to relocate temporary tiered seating from Lambton to Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend during the winter of 2023 was well received, with new shade covers providing extra protection for visitors, schools, sporting groups and spectators.

Swimmers at Wallsend took full advantage with the centre receiving more than 11,000 extra visits by the end of March compared to last summer.

90% of surveyed customers were impressed with the centre's new accessible changeroom, which was completed in November as part of Council’s 20-year Inland Pools Strategy.

All five Council swimming centres now provide accessible amenities, ensuring a more inclusive swimming experience for all members of the community.

The seating and shade were also welcome additions at Stockton Pool, which has already had 8,000 more visits than the entire 2022/23 season.

Mayfield Pool enjoyed a 24% boost in swimmers until the end of March, with the customer survey showing a 97% approval of its upgraded family changeroom.

December proved a peak month for Beresfield Swimming Centre, which received more than double the number of visitors compared to the same time last season, who were also able to enjoy a new playground, shade sail and picnic tables.

City of Newcastle’s investment will continue this year with the installation of new heat pumps at Mayfield and Wallsend Pools.

Image. Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre. Credit City of Newcastle.