After a week that saw us sweltering through some summer-like days, the thermometer has dropped again – just in time for ACT pools to reopen for the swimming season.

Dickson and Manuka pools both reopen to the public today (25 October) after off-season upgrades aimed at improving accessibility, sustainability and visitor comfort.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said Canberrans would notice the difference from the moment they walked in.

“Cleaner water, greener lawns and better facilities are ready from day one of the season,” she said.

“We have future-proofed Dickson pool with water-saving systems, energy-efficient technology and drought-hardy landscaping so they stand up to hotter weather and bigger crowds.”

The ACT Government has spent $925,000 at Dickson Pool on improvements, including:

• a new high-efficiency filtration system improving water clarity and reducing chemical use while supporting the pool’s accessible design
• aeration and reseeding of grounds with a blend of durable grasses to reduce maintenance needs and improve resilience to foot traffic and improved drainage to lower water use and energy consumption
• café upgrades, including a new ventilation system and a new sandwich preparation bench, which were introduced this season to offer healthier options.

The heritage-listed Manuka Pool is reopening after $30,000 in improvements, which feature:

• the installation of anti-slip flooring in all bathrooms to improve safety
• new baby changing tables in both male and female bathrooms to make the pool more family-friendly
• improved kiosk ventilation, creating a cooler and more efficient space for staff
• a new coffee machine and deep fryer, improving food and drink service for visitors
• the return of the beloved Champions Board after nearly 70 years, restoring a lost piece of Canberra’s swimming history.

Manuka Pool was officially opened on 26 January 1931 and was Canberra’s first pool. Designed by principal architect E H Henderson in Federal Art Deco style, it was built for 10,000 pounds.

Before its completion, Canberrans swam in the Molonglo River and in swimming holes in the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers.

Manuka Pool on its 90th birthday, with a photo taken in 1943 or 1944. Photo: Virginia Rigney.

“Manuka Pool is part of Canberra’s story,” Ms Berry said.

“Locating and bringing back the Champions Board after nearly 70 years returns a lost piece of our city’s sporting history to the community.”

The board, inscribed with the names of club champions from 1931 to 1943, went missing in the mid-1950s when the Canberra Amateur Swimming Club moved from Manuka to Civic Pool.

It was found in a collectables shop in north-eastern Victoria in 2023 and given back to the club, which now operates out of the Gungahlin Leisure Centre. The Champions Board has been on display there, but a push by the Friends of Manuka Pool has seen it returned to the historic pool’s foyer on long-term loan.

Ms Berry said she was happy to see it back and confident patrons would be impressed with all the other improvements at both pools.

“Families will love the upgrades,” she said.

“There’s easier access, cooler lawns to relax on, and yes, even crispier hot chips and more food options available at the recently upgraded cafés.”

To find more information and to get passes, head to Manuka Pool or Dickson Pool websites.