Refreshing splash: North Ringwood’s Simon Reid holds nephew Camden, 9, and is joined by Matilda, 7, Ashton, 11, and Genevieve, 11.
Old wave: The early days.
FOR the past 50 years, Croydon Memorial Pool has played host to lively lap swimmers, inexperienced infants and pepped-up pupils wanting to make a splash on a hot day.
This Saturday, the iconic pool celebrates its 50th birthday in style.
As Maroondah's only outdoor pool, the site has offered a unique setting for local families, schools and swimming groups. While some of its neighbours have come and gone, this staple of the community is still going strong after all these years.
North Ringwood father Simon Reid, who was spotted enjoying a swim with his daughters and nephews last Thursday, said the Croydon Memorial Pool was different from the others in Maroondah.
"It's great because it's outdoors. It reminds me a bit of the old-style country pools.
"The indoor pools can become a bit stifling and confined."
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Mr Reid, who is the principal of Mooroolbark College, said the pool was continually used by his family.
"My daughters have swimming lessons here so, yeah, we use the pool about three to four times a week. The lifeguards and people who run it are just lovely . . . you can have a picnic and easily enjoy yourself."
His nephew Camden chipped in and suggested the pool was an "outdoor fun yard".
Cr Les Wilmott said the pool's popularity could be measured by the 12,000 or so signatures the council received when it was set to be closed in the early-2000s.
"It's a well-loved pool . . . the community outcry during that time was huge," he said.
Cr Wilmott paid tribute to the role of the pool in the local community.
"For many years it's been a meeting place for young students and families," he said.
"People love an outdoor pool, especially in these months, and while our other facilities are great this is a perfect spot to socialise."
Croydon Memorial Pool's 50th birthday will be this Saturday. There will be a historical display, games, sausage sizzle, free 'wet and dry' kids' activities, a DJ and swim carnival. The pool is on Springfield Avenue, Croydon, and entry is by gold coin donation.