SHANE Rattenbury says the YMCA has been appointed as the interim operator at the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic.

“This is a great outcome for the community. The YMCA’s appointment ensures a continuity of service for Canberrans using the Canberra Olympic Pool (COP),” Shane said.

”The YMCA has managed aquatic and leisure facilities in Canberra and throughout NSW for years. They bring a wealth of experience, and I am pleased that they are stepping in under an interim arrangement.”

The YMCA will commence management operations from 1 July 2015 until 31 March 2016 while longer term options are resolved. This will include a period of extended operating hours in July and August.

“The COP will extend its operations while the Lakeside Leisure Centre (LLC) is refurbished. The LLC will be closed for eight weeks in July and August.

“In that time, the opening hours at the COP will be temporarily extended from 5.30am to 8.30pm from Monday to Friday, and lane space will be increased. Portable lane dividers will be used to turn 50m lanes into 25m lanes.

“I can assure current staff and their families that the YMCA offer all existing staff, up to the level of Operations Manager, the opportunity to participate in an initial recruitment process.

“Any existing staff at COP and LLC who would like to be involved in recruitment can contact Sport and Recreation Services. That recruitment is expected to get underway next week.”

Leisa Hart, CEO of YMCA NSW, said the YMCA understands the value of a community facility like COP and the programs run there.

“There are a variety of user groups who rely on this facility including recreational lap swimmers and swimming clubs, water polo clubs as well as the staff. Continuity of operation is critical to all these stakeholders, so we’ll be working around the clock to ensure a seamless transition come 1 July,” Leisa said.

The pool will be closed for one day on Tuesday June 30 to enable the current manager to transition out of the facility.

In addition, a new procurement process has commenced to appoint a new operator at LLC.

“We are working to have a new operator in place as soon as possible, and certainly before the facility reopens following the completion of maintenance work during July and August,” Minister Rattenbury said.

The refurbishment works at LLC include retiling the pool concourse and renovating change room facilities. Works will also start on a new water play park following the recent announcement of the community’s vote for their favourite design option.

The works have been timed to avoid the busy summer period and to coincide with the end of the current management contract.