Last year the council granted free access to public pools throughout the shire resulting in a huge increase in patronage.

"We should be proud of the fact that we had free entry last year during one of the worst droughts on record," Cr Bill Jayet who moved the decision to grant free entry last year, said.

"The numbers at the pool last year are testament to the fact, normally we would have 36,000 patrons and last year we had 88,000 patrons, it was a decision well received," he said in relation to the number of people who visited the Parkes pool.

This summer users of the Parkes pool will pay half the admission fee set by council.

Users of the shire's village pools will continue to enjoy free entry for another summer swim season.

The Parkes pool will open for the 2019-20 season on the October long weekend.

The village pools will open from November 2.

All pools will close on April 5, 2020.

Change to swim club nights

In other pool related news Parkes Shire Council will meet with the Parkes Swimming Club to discuss the possibility of the club changing its club nights.

Council voted to hold the meeting after a number of letters to the club signalling the possibility of a change to club nights.

Council wants the swimming club to change from its normal Friday evening club nights.

"The club has had over 12 months notice of intention to change, they have been reluctant to accept," mayor Ken Keith said.

Cr Keith said Council believes the pool should be available to families on a Friday night to relax and have barbecues.

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