Pemberton Swimming Pool

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic, Historic, Rarity, Representativeness and Social

Physical Description

Set in a natural forest environment, the swimming pool was constructed by damming One Mile Brook. There were earth walls, as well as some concrete and brick structures, forming smaller, shallower pools. The original steps and diving boards are still intact. One side of the pool is a grassy parkland. The building on the site is likely to have been a combination of changing rooms and shop/café. It is a Post-War painted brick structure with a corrugated iron roof. A steeply pitched roof covers a gabled porch section with timber gable. Timber posts support a pergola structure across the front elevation. The veranda walls are constructed of random laid local stone.

History

In 1928 the Pemberton Parents and Citizens’ Association sent 140 children to Bunbury for a fortnight’s holiday at a cost of £150. This gave rise to the idea that if this sum was to be spent annually, why not put it into a civic asset which be enjoyed by the whole community the year round. The idea caught on. Collections were made on Mill pay day on 4 November 1928 and workers donated 5s each, others gave generously and £58 was raised in the day. The contract to build a dam across the selected site on One Mile Brook was decided that night. By 8 February 1929 a pool, 8ft deep, provided great fun for the youngsters. The success of this initial venture led to further subscriptions and much voluntary work to build a bigger and better pool The wall was raised to 14ft. The day after the pool was filled, it was found to be empty! The water had seeped through the bank and a gap 10ft wide right down to the foundations was washed out. More work and more subscription had to be found. After four years of progress the sponsors of the project left the district and the organization fell into the doldrums. The energy was renewed when the Swimming Pool Board was formed in 1938 under new leadership. A long term plan was drawn up and annual memberships reinstituted. Swimming Carnivals and Reso trains were organized to assist finance. A steady programme of improvement commenced, with grass planning, a water scheme, boats and boat house, safety areas with concrete floors all moved towards the ultimate plan. All the time the surroundings of giant karris and undergrowth were bringing back to the Pool a natural environment. The community support for the project was remarkable. No government or Road Board money went into the project. Assistance came from the State Saw Mills in terms of Timber. By 1947 plans for bathing pavilions and the establishment of a National Fitness Camp were drawn up. In the late 1940s the pool was maintained by an annual membership of 2s 6d. The revenue was supplemented by donations from various Bodies in the town and profit on Carnivals. Its facilities and groups were open to visitors on membership terms. Between 1929 and 1990 the pool was the venue for a great deal of community activity. It fell into disrepair and disuse after that time, but in 2004 there is still some strong support for rebuilding and revitalizing the pool as a community facility.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Poor (pool) Good (building)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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