Parkes Shire Council has decided to close its pools across the shire during the quieter times of the day for the remainder of the swimming season.
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The decision follows a recent review of pool patronage activities over the last three swimming seasons, where council's facilities team identified daily peak and off-peak times for each location.
The changes involve closing pools for few hours on selected days - which began for the Parkes Pool on Monday, February 3 and will be introduced to shire pools from February 10.
Council's Works and Services Director Ben Howard said it's all to increase operational efficiencies and reduce overall expenditure.
The operating hours for the Parkes Pool will be that it will now close from 12noon to 3pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.
This will change to include Wednesdays from February 17 during the same three hours, and will be from Monday to Thursday, 12noon to 3pm, from March 16 until the end of the pool season.
Peak Hill Pool will, from February 10, open at 2pm on Mondays and Fridays, and Trundle Pool will open at 2pm on Thursdays.
All other days remain unchanged for both facilities.
Tullamore Pool will open at 2pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 3pm on Thursdays, with the weekends remaining unchanged.
"The pool facilities are one of council's largest cost centres," Mr Howard said.
"With operating expenses increasing each year, council is continually looking at ways in which to regulate those rising costs with the least amount of impact to local pool users."
It is also a temporary arrangement for the 2019/20 season.
"Council will again review the operating hours prior to the 2020/21 swim season and advertise any changes accordingly," Mr Howard said.
But such changes have raised concerns among residents, with some asking on council's Facebook page of the impacts to school swimming carnivals and other activities.
Mr Howard said the changes do not affect swimming carnivals or pre-existing school or organisation activities.
"They will proceed as normal," he said.
Meanwhile others have lost the opportunity to exercise in their lunch breaks at the Parkes Pool.
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