YMCA chosen to run Parap pool

THE new Parap pool, along with Casuarina and Nightcliff pools, will be run by YMCA NT after the organisation won a five-year contract.

Darwin council City Life general manager Anna Malgorewicz said the organisation would take over from January 1. “Council will work closely with YMCA NT and the current contractor to ensure a smooth transition of operations,” she said.

“Patrons will not be affected. The extended opening times will remain in place at all Council pools, including the newly redeveloped Parap pool and user fees and charges will remain the same to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy our fantastic public facilities.”

Currently Dempsey Consolidated holds the contract, with a local family running the Nightcliff Pool. “Council would like to thank the current contractor for the valued service they have provided Darwin residents during the time of their contract,” Ms Malgorewicz said.

YMCA NT chief executive Andy Buckton said the YMCA NT team would draw on experience from other pools the organisation runs.

“We’ve got the benefit of having a national team with extra organisation resources out there, and we can dip into that kind of resourcing,” he said. “However, YMCA NT is its own organisation and we’re proud to be bringing more ser- vices to the Top End.”

While fees and opening hours will not change, some members of the community are concerned.

Keen swimmer Robyn Jacob said she was “appalled” by the change.

“Currently a local family run (the Nightcliff pool) and have done for many years apparently. Now a local family is out of work,” she said.

YMCA NT will now run swimming pools across the Top End, including in Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine.

The newly developed Parap pool also includes a cafe and is due to open in early January.

“..user fees and charges will remain the same”