After months of cool anticipation, keen swimmers celebrated the reopening of the outdoor pool at the Orange Aquatic Centre on the long weekend.

For pool-goers, Monday's public holiday was the first chance to take a dip in the 50-metre outdoor pool since ANZAC Day, when it closed for the winter break. The 50-meter outdoor pool is now open daily for swimming, and the diving pool is scheduled to open on weekends, subject to staff availability.

The opening is celebrated as the unofficial start of summer in the Colour City and follows a bumper year for the aquatic centre, which saw more than 269,000 visits in the 2024–25 financial year and a 56 per cent increase over the past four years.

Participation in aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim classes and aqua fitness, has also surged in this time, with families and older residents identified as the fastest-growing visitor groups.

Attendance from the 75-plus age group more than doubled, while family visits jumped by 77 per cent. Participation in aqua programs rose by a remarkable 484 per cent.

The centre attributes this growth to tailored programs, welcoming staff and an ongoing focus on accessibility.

“It’s about creating a space where everyone feels safe, supported and welcome because that’s what a true community facility should be. And we’re excited to keep building on that vision,” Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Recreation and Culture Policy Committee, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said.

This season, the outdoor pool will be kept at a comfortable 27 degrees by a more energy-efficient heating system. The Aquatic Centre has replaced its old large boiler with six modular heating units designed to turn on only when needed, improving efficiency and reducing energy waste.

The Orange Aquatic Centre summer opening hours are 5.30am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, 5.30 am to 7pm on Saturdays and 8am to 7pm on Sundays.