Swimming pool in Madikeri finally opens for public use

With the sweltering heat in the district, people, especially children, are heading to the swimming pool to cool off in Madikeri.

The children who were waiting for months for the renovation of the swimming pool are finally enjoying a swim at the swimming pool at General Thimayya Stadium, which is run by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

The swimming pool was damaged after the natural calamity that hit Kodagu in last August.

The department has repaired the pool and it is open for public since May 2. The children are disappointed that they could use the pool only in the month of May and not when the summer vacation commenced in April.

Atleast 70 to 80 children are visiting the swimming pool daily. The number had increased in the weekend, said staff member Chethan from the department.

The pumpset and water purifying unit at the swimming pool has been upgraded. The toilet and bathrooms have been renovated. Expert swimmers have been appointed to train the people, said an official from the department.

Mahadevapete resident Shameer said, “The schools will reopen in June. The swimming pool should have been thrown open to the public before the commencement of summer vacation. After the monsoon commences, the swimming pool will not be of much use.”

Mustafa of Mahadevapete said, “There are no lakes or water bodies in Madikeri town. Hence, me and my son visit the swimming pool in the weekend.”

“Swimming helps to cool oneself. Concession should be provided for the children to swim twice a day,” said Kusuma, resident of Kaveri Layout.

District Youth Empowerment and Sports Department officer Jayalakshmibai said
the swimming pool has been repaired at a cost of Rs 4.5 lakh.

It was built at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore in 2015. However, it was closed after a few days. The pool should be open during summer. More facilities should be provided at the pool, said Coorg Table Tennis Association secretary Rachan.

The swimming pool is open for children from 6 am to 10 am, senior citizens (11 am to 12 noon), children (2 pm to 4 pm), women (4 pm to 5 pm) and general public (5 pm to 7 pm).

The entry fee is Rs 30 for below 14-year-old kids, Rs 50 for senior citizens and Rs 100 for tourists.