“More and more pools are getting closed and we don’t want that to happen with our one.
“Over the years, it has had a lot of Band-aids thrown at it and the community has done amazing to keep it open ... like all things that are [nearly 90 years old], she just needs a bit more work.”
The 18m-long pool was built in 1938 and was initially called the Fordell Swimming Baths.
It was built by the same men who worked on the Fordell Railway Tunnels, who settled in Fordell and wanted to give back to the community.
It has been community-led since its establishment, running on donations and key hires.
Over the last 12 months, the society has held various fundraising events to help save the pool.
Thompson said the support shown by various families and businesses has been “amazing”.
Rose-breeding business Matthews Roses Nurseries has been selling the exclusive Fordell Rose with all proceeds going to the pool fundraising efforts.
The pool society is hosting an event called Ladies Day Out at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre on February 21.
The event focuses on women’s health and wellbeing, with guest speakers and exhibitors.
Thompson said the community is passionate about keeping the “community hub” open and thriving, especially given its history.
“For a rural community, having something on your doorstep that you can go and utilise, you don’t have to trek into town all the time, is gold,” she said.
“It’s a social thing, it’s something that everyone cherishes and it gets people emotional. It could be a great place once it’s had this upgrade.
“It’s good for mental health, fitness and kids learning to swim.”
Thompson said it would be inconvenient for parents to take their kids to Splash Centre in Whanganui every day.
“A lot of rural schools have their own pools, Fordell doesn’t; they use the community pool,” she said.
“For the kids to tootle up the pathway to have a daily swim is huge for them.
“The more time kids spend in water, the better.”
Once the pool is renovated, the society hopes to do galas and other public events, Thompson said.
Tickets for the Ladies Day Out, on February 21, are available online at Try Booking.
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
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