Geraldton Aquarena numbers soar in opening week after pool reopening but level out after excitement dies down

Geraldton swimmers made quite the splash after the launch of Aquarena’s new outdoor pool but the excitement appears to have since settled, with admissions numbers below pre-opening figures. The City of Greater Geraldton recorded 1500 admissions to the centre the week before the upgraded 50m pool was reopened after a two-year wait. The pool was opened on Friday, October 13, with 2000 people coming through the gates in the week after. But admissions levelled out the following week, with just 1250 coming through the facility. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the opening of the pool had proved extremely popular with the warmer weather. “With weather warming up, the water polo season commencing and also swimming lessons in full swing, it’s great to have the outdoor pool now open for our community to enjoy now and especially into the summer months.” he said. The $6.1 million project was funded by the city, with a $750,000 contribution from the State Government. The final cost of the pool nearly doubled as the refurbished works were damaged during cyclone Charlotte when it was 75 per cent completed.