Narembeen Swimming Pool

Physical Description

The entrance building is a brick construction with extended wing walls in the cream coloured face brick wall. A decorative concrete block screen wall along the street frontage screens the entry. The roof is of a minimal pitch.

History

The swimming Pool in Narembeen was one of the many community projects which were evident during the prosperity of the 1960s. The idea of a pool in Narembeen was first suggested after World War two, as a memorial which was both suitable and useful. A supply of water was available from a salt water bore, and a check was made of Gnowangerup's facility where a full flow pool was operational. At a public meeting in February 1954, as a result of the Gnowangerup visit, it was decided to plan a pool west of the school and public subscriptions were called. After four years of planning, nothing resulted, and in 1958 the subscriptions were refunded.
In 1960 the Public Works department and the Roads Board recommended the pool and it was planned for the hockey field. The formation of Shire authorities in 1961 also meant that the former Roads Boards now had different responsibilities which included the provision of community facilities. The Shire actually proceeded with a pool which was wider than the PWD plan, and contributed £3000 of the £30,917 cost. Many donations were received, including gifts such as a clock from Paddy Baker (the movie man) and the wrought iron entry gates from Baden Moppett.
On the 9 November 1963 the pool was officially opened by the then Premier David (later Sir) Brand, and a Ball was held in the Town Hall that night to celebrate. The inaugural Narembeen pool committee formed in 1963 as did the Narembeen Swimming Club, on 8 December, the first carnival was in march 1964, and the Club has produced many champions since that time. The Narembeen Swimming Pool has the distinction of being one of few in the state which is not subsidised by the ratepayers. The Pool Committee raise money by running cropping programs and other fundraising events, which provide for the ongoing maintenance costs of the pool. From 1964 an annual Carols by Candlelight has been a popular event at the pool.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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