​On Tuesday, 15 December 2015 the newly upgraded Retreat swimming pool opened its gates to the public just in time for the summer holiday season. This follows on from an 18-month closure in which the facility was converted from an outdoor pool to an indoor pool that will soon be able to be used year-round.

Cllr Kevin Southgate (Ward 72) expressed his thanks to the community of Retreat for their patience during the renovation process. He also thanked Mayor Patricia De Lille, who was present at the opening, for her timely intervention in addressing a number of delays which were hampering the project. At the re-opening, the roof structure was still in the process of being installed (see photo inset) but the pool itself was completed.

Reports indicate that the Retreat swimming pool welcomed some 20 000 visitors over the festive period. The pool upgrade has proven to be a great success and demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to provide quality public facilities to its residents.

“I was very encouraged to see the community enjoying the use of the pool, especially after all the challenges we faced to ensure it opened in time. When all of the work is completed, the City will have invested some R7 million into the project and we ask that the community takes ownership in ensuring that it is not vandalised,” said Cllr Southgate, who urged residents to report incidents of ill discipline or vandalism to City staff.

Due to high demand, it was at times necessary to implement access control measures to ensure the safety of bathers during peak demand periods. Thanks to these measures, the public could enjoy the use of the pool under under safe swimming conditions. Life guards were also on hand to monitor and assist the public as needed.

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all staff including workers, volunteers and life savers who were on duty at the pool over the holiday period. Through their efforts, there were no serious incidents and the public could enjoy the benefit of a well-run facility,” said Cllr Southgate.