September 1, 2005
By Rose Setshoge
A NEW pool filter and heating system has been installed at the public pools at Ellis Park, in Doornfontein, just in time for the yearly spring celebration on 1 September.
And the recreation venue has also been given a facelift, with mosaic being used to enhance the entrance to the pool area.
According to Deon Fenter, the City's assistant director: capital projects and research for social development, all public pools in Johannesburg will open for the spring celebration after the long winter break.
On this day, entrance is free at all Jozi's public pools. However, at Ellis Park the celebration runs until Sunday, 4 September, with free entrance each day.
Douglas Middleton, the manager of programmes and development in the City's sports and recreation department, said R3,4-million was spent on the installation at Ellis Park. The funds were provided by SwimSA, the national swimming body.
During the spring celebration, free swimming lessons will be offered at all pools. People must bring their own costumes and towels, as they will not be provided.
Along with the general public, six primary schools around Doornfontein have been invited to enjoy the celebration at Ellis Park.
Pools will open from 8am to 6pm.
Ellis Park's pools were closed in mid-May. They are usually closed for the winter each June, and reopen in the middle of August. However, this year the opening was delayed until Spring Day to install the new filter and heating system. The pools can now be heated up to 28 decrees Celsius.
Outside of the spring celebration days, entrance to Ellis Park's pools is R7,40 for adults, R4,25 for children and free for senior citizens.
During normal summer days two or more lifeguards are on duty, and a maximum of 2 000 people go swimming each day.
There are four swimming pools at Ellis Park: one of 50m in length; one of 25 metres; one of 20 metres long and five metres deep for diving; and one of eight metres long and half-a-metre deep for toddlers. The diving pool will not be open for the spring celebration because work is continuing on it.
The main pool was built in 1907, and upgraded to Olympic size in 1985 to host international events. Over the years facilities at the complex have been upgraded to accommodate the general public.
In 1999 it was again upgraded in preparation for the All Africa Games. Since then it has hosted the African Swimming Association Championships in 2000 and the Development Nationals in 2000 and 2001.
Underwater hockey, scuba diving training, platform diving, lifesaving promotions and competitive school events are also held at the complex.
The Ellis Park pool complex is at the corner of Modjaji North Park Lane and Erin Street, in New Doornfontein, next to Johannesburg Stadium. For more information, phone 011 402 5565.
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