Instruction for Signers:
Please comment below with your suburb and your answers to the three questions about which months you would swim, preferred water temperature, and main reason for swimming. Your name is automatically recorded when you sign.

 
Petition Description:
Mayfield Swimming Centre, gifted to the community by BHP in 1966, is a vital hub for Newcastle residents of all ages. It provides opportunities for exercise, mental wellbeing, and social connection, particularly for older community members and people with disability.

Currently, the pool is closed for the months of May, June, July, and August each year, reducing access to one of the few 50m public pools in Newcastle, increasing pressure on other facilities such as Charlestown Pool (LMCC) and the Ocean Baths, and disrupting routines for lap swimmers and community groups.

Local councillors are kindly examining the current BlueFit contract, budget implications, and operational considerations for keeping the pool open during winter. Other year-round swimming options, such as a proposed indoor pool as part of the Hunter Park redevelopment in Broadmeadow or at Lambton Aquatic Centre, are still several years away.

This petition seeks to demonstrate strong community support for a trial or permanent winter opening at Mayfield Swimming Centre.

Note: Mayfield Swimming Centre maintains a regulated water temperature of approximately 25°C.
 

Optional Questions can be answered in comments (your answers make a difference!):

Which months would you most likely swim if the pool were open in winter?

May

June

July

August

What water temperature would you need to swim comfortably during winter?

20–21°C

22–23°C

24–25°C

26–27°C

Other: _________

What is the main reason you would use Mayfield Swimming Centre in winter?

Lap swimming / fitness

Social / community connection

Health / rehabilitation

Other: _________

Please include your suburb in your comment so we can show Council that support comes from across Newcastle.