A Dubbo health club has recorded an upswell in membership since its indoor pool reopened this month, once more becoming a hub of community life.
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Dubbo RSL Aquatic and Health Club reports it has more than 200 more members since its patrons had their first splash in the heated facility in more than a year.
The reopening of the indoor pool was marked with a fun day on June 16, with one patron likening it to "coming home".
The 25-metre pool, used by more than 1000 patrons, was closed in February 2018 due to safety concerns about its roof.
Structural engineers were called in to assess the roof and make recommendations.
By May this year the roof repairs had been completed and the club embarked on the final extra works, including painting.
The pool officially reopened to the public on June 11, after staff enthusiastically jumped in a few days earlier.
"It is so good to have the pool back," health club manager Carmen Appleby said.
"It's been closed for about 16 months - we missed it."
It is so good to have the pool back. It's been closed for about 16 months - we missed it.
- Dubbo RSL Health Club manager Carmen Appleby
On June 16 the pool party attracted a large crowd, with lots of families making the most of the wide range of the club's facilities, she said.
In the middle of winter, the pool is proving to be the place for exercise and recreation.
"We have more than 200 more members since the pool opened back up and everyone said the repairs and upgrades make it look like we have a brand new pool," Ms Appleby said.
It was like coming home to the family.
- Zumba with Tracy owner Tracy Hanna
The pool is set at 29 degrees and has lanes available for lap swimming and recreational lanes available for people to exercise and walk in, or do rehabilitation, the manager advises.
Zumba with Tracy owner Tracy Hanna and her team led their first aqua zumba class at the fun day after more than a year.
"It was like coming home to the family," she said.
"Everyone was high-fiving and it was like a reunion, a big celebration.
"The atmosphere was really awesome."
Ms Hanna said the pool was not only important to health and fitness, but for social reasons as well, with clients forming friendships based on meeting there and going for coffee afterwards.
Learn to swim lessons start again from July 22.
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