In a triumph of community collaboration, Belgravia Foundation and the community of Crystal Brook have celebrated a $10,000 grant to improve accessibility for patrons of Crystal Brook Swimming Pool, allowing everyone – no matter their ability or circumstance – to benefit from the facilities.
The need for improved accessibility was first raised at a six-monthly Community Network Forum held at the pool, where local community members voiced concerns that the pool’s existing infrastructure was not meeting the needs of patrons with mobility impairments, frailty, or physical disabilities.
Talk then turned to action, with the Belgravia Foundation successfully applying for a $10,000 grant through the 2024 Clements Gap Sustainable Community Fund, which is part of Pacific Blue’s Community Benefit Sharing Program. The fund has provided more than $5 million to over 1000 projects across Australia since 2005.
With additional funding from a local community group of people passionate about the Crystal Brook community and pool, the accessible steps are now fully funded. To further enhance accessibility, Belgravia Leisure and Port Pirie Regional Council are working on another project that involves collaborating to relocate a chair lift to the pool in the future, that will further improve accessibility.
Both upgrades will substantially broaden access to individuals living with significant injuries, illnesses, impairments or disabilities – those people who cannot use stairs – thereby ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy the health and happiness benefits of aquatic activities.
Belgravia Leisure Venue Manager Damon Walsh attended a presentation ceremony at Port Broughton Bowling Club on September 17th to officially accept the grant.
Walsh commented, “Since coming on board to manage the venue, we’ve understood via platforms such as our community network forums that the current facilities have been a barrier to many individuals who would otherwise benefit from the pool; whether that be for recreation, exercise or rehabilitation purposes, or social engagement and connection. Now, thanks to the collective efforts of the community, we are now able to provide the kind of inclusive environment this community truly deserves”.
He added, “This is a perfect example of how open and honest community engagement can drive real change. Through these discussions, we’ve been able to support a long-overdue, community-driven initiative that will meet the critical needs of many.
“I’d like to thank Pacific Blue, Port Pirie Regional Council, the community of Crystal Brook and Belgravia Foundation for working together to make this long-needed project a reality,” Walsh concluded.
Belgravia Leisure conducts 6-monthly Community Network Forums, welcoming key community stakeholders to participate in discussions on how they can collectively support their community, and identify local needs, preferences, priorities and service gaps.
Belgravia Foundation is a registered charity created to reduce barriers to improved access and participation in aquatic, sport, fitness, recreation and health programs for our most vulnerable and under-represented groups within the community.
The aim is for the stairs to be installed at Crystal Brook Swimming Pool prior to the season opening on 1st November 2024.
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