Parkes Shire Council has decided to close the Parkes Swimming Pool this year on Boxing Day, December 26, because of the low patronage it attracts every year.
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While the number of people who attended the pool on Boxing Day last year had more than doubled the year prior, with 413 people, previous years have been no where near as high.
Council attributes last year's increase to the pool having free entry for the summer.
In 2017, 158 residents used the Parkes Pool on Boxing Day, while 130 people turned up for a swim in 2016 and there were just 21 people in 2015.
A review of the pool's seasonal patronage was tabled at council's November 19 ordinary meeting in the Council Chambers by the Director of Works and Services Ben Howard.
Mr Howard proposed the Boxing Day closure be in line with the Trundle, Tullamore and Peak Hill village pools, which he said have not opened on Boxing Day for a considerable time.
"There has been no negative feedback from [these] communities to date," Mr Howard wrote in his report.
"Boxing Day at Parkes Pool generally has low patronage."
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Mr Howard also included in his review the income from the pool's kiosk sales and admissions over the last two years, which in 2017 made $849 and $645 in 2018 with the free entry.
Council agreed prior to the pool opening in October to offer Parkes residents reduced entry fees at half price for the 2019/2020 summer.
Council anticipates closing Parkes Pool on Boxing Day will save about $4000.
"Staffing the pools on Boxing Day is paid at Double Time and a Half and equates to approximately $4000," Mr Howard said.
The recommendation was unopposed and councillors unanimously voted to close the pool this Boxing Day.
The pool will reopen as normal on December 27.
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