And this long weekend won’t come fast enough for some residents, who are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Parkes Pool.

Parkes Shire Council has locked in Saturday, September 30 as the first day of the pool season for the town.

The pool season usually runs for 26 weeks, ceasing April 1 next year.

For the shire villages, their swimming season will begin on November 4 and will also finish up on April 1.

The dates were tabled and approved at council’s August 15 meeting.

Cr Bill Jayet took the opportunity to ask about the extended pool hours he pushed for and that were piloted last season.

Last season Parkes Shire Council agreed to trial opening the facility between 8am and 10am – when it was usually closed for cleaning and maintenance –  for the convenience of retirees and lap swimmers.

Engineering Services Director Ben Howard said they had to review pool bookings first before making a decision about extending the hours again.

“I think it was a resounding success,” he said at the meeting.

“Because it was a pilot there will be a future report to council.”

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