Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool offers a perfect way to cool off and enjoy summer with friends and family. Open daily during the swimming season until late March, the outdoor pool features solar-heated water maintained at a comfortable 27°C, making it ideal for all ages.
Facilities
Opening Hours
Entry Fees
Pool Rules and Safety
Supervision:
Awards
Contact
Come and enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxing swimming experience at the Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool!
A Brief History
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool stands as a testament to the community's dedication and spirit of collaboration. The idea for a swimming pool in Kaniva was born on February 7, 1947, when a public meeting was convened under the leadership of Cr A. Stevenson, the then-President of the Shire. A committee was formed, representing key local groups including the Shire Council, Returned Soldiers' League (RSL), Kaniva Younger Set, and the Chamber of Commerce.
The committee's initial goal was to raise £2,000 from public donations, which, combined with a government grant of £4,500, was intended to fund the pool's construction. Despite enthusiastic community support and early contributions, progress stalled due to rising material costs and building restrictions in the late 1940s. Nevertheless, the Kaniva Younger Set, under the guidance of Mrs. T. M. Kelly and Mrs. Jock Laird, raised £450 by 1948, demonstrating their dedication to the project.
In the early 1950s, renewed efforts under Cr F. Feder revitalised the campaign. By March 11, 1954, the fund had grown to £3,811. However, escalating costs continued to delay construction. Creative fundraising became the cornerstone of progress. Events such as a tennis exhibition featuring prominent players such as Roy Emerson and Neil Fraser raised £122, while a Clay Bird Shoot organised by the Kaniva Gun Club contributed £127. A gymkhana held in 1956 generated an impressive £1,375. Farmers also donated fleeces of wool, adding further to the funds.
By December 1955, the committee decided to proceed despite the financial challenges, and tenders were called through the Shire Council. Construction began in early 1956 after contracts were awarded to Messrs Dalsanto and Margo for the pool construction (£8,500) and to Filtration and Water Softening Pty. Ltd. for the filtration plant (£4,081). Voluntary labour played a vital role, saving an estimated £2,000 during the construction phase.
The pool was partially opened in early 1957, allowing the public to use the facility even as additional work continued. On January 4, 1958, the Hon. P. T. Byrnes, M.L.C., officiated at the grand opening, unveiling a Memorial Tablet provided by the Shire Council and erected by the Kaniva RSL. The total cost of the project at that time was £17,978, funded by public donations (£9,749), contributions from the Kaniva Younger Set (£2,780), and the government grant (£4,500). Subsequent improvements brought the total cost to £18,554.
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool stands today as a testament to the tireless efforts, creativity, and generousity of the local community, embodying the spirit of "The Self-Help Town."
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool offers a perfect way to cool off and enjoy summer with friends and family. Open daily during the swimming season until late March, the outdoor pool features solar-heated water maintained at a comfortable 27°C, making it ideal for all ages.
Facilities
- Spacious grounds: Relax in the ample seating areas or enjoy a picnic using the provided BBQ facilities.
- Kiosk: Purchase a variety of drinks and snacks at the onsite kiosk.
- Free sunscreen station: Stay sun-safe with complimentary sunscreen available.
Opening Hours
- Weekdays (during school term): 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Weekends and public holidays: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Non-school days: Open daily from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Closed on Christmas Day and days forecast of 25C or below.
Entry Fees
- Single entry:
- - Adults: $4.00
- - Children: $3.00
- Multi-pass (30 entries, valid for one season):
- - Adults: $96.00
- - Children: $72.00
- Payment options include cash or card.
Pool Rules and Safety
Supervision:
- Children under 10 must be supervised and accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or older.
- Non-swimmers using floatation aids are restricted to areas where they can touch the bottom.
- Visitors with medical conditions are advised to notify the pool supervisor before entering the water.
- Dangerous or offensive behaviour (e.g., bombing, running, pushing, rough play).
- Backward dives, somersaults
- No smoking and alcohol consumption within the centre.
- Patrons behaving inappropriately will be asked to leave. No refunds will be provided.
Awards
- Proudly recognised as the Best Managed Seasonal Pool in Victoria in 2007.
Contact
- Facebook Group: Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool
- Phone: Keith 0458 680 525 during swimming season.
Come and enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxing swimming experience at the Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool!
A Brief History
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool stands as a testament to the community's dedication and spirit of collaboration. The idea for a swimming pool in Kaniva was born on February 7, 1947, when a public meeting was convened under the leadership of Cr A. Stevenson, the then-President of the Shire. A committee was formed, representing key local groups including the Shire Council, Returned Soldiers' League (RSL), Kaniva Younger Set, and the Chamber of Commerce.
The committee's initial goal was to raise £2,000 from public donations, which, combined with a government grant of £4,500, was intended to fund the pool's construction. Despite enthusiastic community support and early contributions, progress stalled due to rising material costs and building restrictions in the late 1940s. Nevertheless, the Kaniva Younger Set, under the guidance of Mrs. T. M. Kelly and Mrs. Jock Laird, raised £450 by 1948, demonstrating their dedication to the project.
In the early 1950s, renewed efforts under Cr F. Feder revitalised the campaign. By March 11, 1954, the fund had grown to £3,811. However, escalating costs continued to delay construction. Creative fundraising became the cornerstone of progress. Events such as a tennis exhibition featuring prominent players such as Roy Emerson and Neil Fraser raised £122, while a Clay Bird Shoot organised by the Kaniva Gun Club contributed £127. A gymkhana held in 1956 generated an impressive £1,375. Farmers also donated fleeces of wool, adding further to the funds.
By December 1955, the committee decided to proceed despite the financial challenges, and tenders were called through the Shire Council. Construction began in early 1956 after contracts were awarded to Messrs Dalsanto and Margo for the pool construction (£8,500) and to Filtration and Water Softening Pty. Ltd. for the filtration plant (£4,081). Voluntary labour played a vital role, saving an estimated £2,000 during the construction phase.
The pool was partially opened in early 1957, allowing the public to use the facility even as additional work continued. On January 4, 1958, the Hon. P. T. Byrnes, M.L.C., officiated at the grand opening, unveiling a Memorial Tablet provided by the Shire Council and erected by the Kaniva RSL. The total cost of the project at that time was £17,978, funded by public donations (£9,749), contributions from the Kaniva Younger Set (£2,780), and the government grant (£4,500). Subsequent improvements brought the total cost to £18,554.
The Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool stands today as a testament to the tireless efforts, creativity, and generousity of the local community, embodying the spirit of "The Self-Help Town."
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria.
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