A study looking at suitable locations for a third aquatic centre in the Georges River local government area will include, but not be limited to, Carss Park and Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The recommendation is contained in the Georges River Council's Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy 2019-2036.
The strategy went to the council's Community and Culture Committee on Monday night with a recommendation it be endorsed by the full council meeting later this month.
The strategy recognises that three aquatic facilities are required to meet the needs of Georges River local government area until 2036, which now has only two following the closure of the Carss Park Pool.
A future aquatic centre may include an indoor/outdoor 50-metre pool, 15/25 metre heated program pool and and possibly a cafe, creche, gymnasium, health and wellbeing centre, water splash play area and car parking.
The form of a future third aquatic facility should take into account the Carss Bush Park Sport and Recreation Precinct Masterplan and two other studies still to come to council including the Aquatic Site Suitability and Feasibility Study.
This study will consider suitable locations across the LGA for a third centre including Carss Park, Jubilee Stadium and other locations.
A total of 346 respondents made 418 written submissions to the council on its draft Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy.
The dominant issue raised in the submissions (356 unique and 62 pro forma) was concern for the closure of Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park for development of a car park.
78 per cent of those who submitted were requesting it be retained and/or refurbished.
Four petitions were received in the form of written and online petitions supporting the repair/refurbishment of the pool. The petitions included approximately 6000 petitions in written form and 5,500 signatures in an online petition.
The Strategy is to address the future needs of the local government area and ensure the community has adequate access to facilities and spaces including community centres, libraries, parks and open spaces, sports fields and courts, aquatic and athletics facilities, and other recreation activities such as skate parks.
According to the community feedback not everyone is happy with synthetic turf on sports fields.
"While there were mixed reviews, submissions were mostly against the use of synthetic turf," the council's summary community feedback states.
Golf which was highlighted by 18 respondents (five per cent) included 14 with concerns about any potential reduction of the Beverley Park Golf Course from 18 holes to nine.
"Further exploration is recommended for a range of alternative community uses for golf course in the area to ensure the ongoing viability and amenity of facilities, and to review lease agreements to ensure that the facilities do not run at a loss and create and future financial burden on council and ratepayers," the council's report stated.
The difficulty of booking basketball courts was noted by one respondent.
It is recommended that when the additional courts at Johnny Warren Indoor Sports Stadium reach peak time capacity, council undertake a feasibility study of an additional multi-court indoor facility at another location with a minimum of three courts.
The council should also explore opportunities to provide a BMX track or pump track as part of the Master Plan for the former Oatley Bowling Club site, or at lower Gannons Park.
The Jubilee Stadium Hub was mentioned by 39 respondents (11 per cent), generally expressing concern at the recommendation to locate a sports and recreation hub there, These submissions were often linked to support for retaining the Kogarah War Memorial pool at Carss Park in its current location.
The draft Jubilee Stadium Precinct Master Plan is currently being developed and will be available for public consideration in 2020.
