The Kyabram swimming pool in Union St was opened to the public on February 21, 1953, but was not officially declared opened until November 27, 1953.
The pool was 33 yards in length with a diving board at the west end, with tiers of lawn surrounding the pool. Large lights were above the pool.
This photograph was taken in 1964 where you can clearly see the Baptist Church and homes in Lake Rd. The fence surrounding the pool does not appear to be very high and the area of the park, senior citizens’ building, shire offices and library is vacant land. There are children enjoying the use of the diving board.
A new laminated diving board was erected for the 1966/67 summer season, but was removed when extensions were made to the pool in 1975 by the local firm of Pigatto Bros.
The total cost of the work was estimated at $74,000. The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation made a grant of $49,000, the Kyabram Apex Club donated $10,000 and the balance and any extra costs were to be financed by the council.
Extensions involved the lengthening of the pool from the original 33 yards to the Olympic standard of 50 metres and the installation of a larger filtration plant by a Melbourne firm. A major part of the task was the painting, which was carried out by contractor John Jamieson. The existing paint on the original pool was stripped and the whole area was given a facelift.
Compiled by Eileen Sullivan, Kyabram Historical Society voluntary librarian.
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