As the renovations of the Hay Swimming Pool complex continue, we look back at how it all came about.

How did Hay end up with one of the best free pools in the country?

It took many years, an offer of a grant of land from the estate of Henry B Maclure and much work by the town’s citizen’s before construction finally began in 1966.

“SWIMMING POOL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED - Public Endorses Ambitious Project A PUBLIC meeting on Friday unanimously agreed to the formation of a special committee to undertake the provision of a swimming pool in Hay.

Mrs. G. D. Butterworth announced that she would meet the cost of the cement required.

Mr. W. Catlin, a well known contractor, told the "Grazier" that he would do the necessary excavation work.

Following these two offers of assistance, Mr. Henry Hyde said that the erection of forms for the concrete work would be his responsibility.

On the morning prior to the public meeting, Ald. Arthur Harris, acting for Mr. Wilcox, announced that Mr. Wilcox was prepared to supply the timber required for the forms.”

The Riverine Grazier January 30, 1952.

Several sites were considered; the river bend at the end of Moppett Street, the tennis courts site and Hay Park being the most popular suggestions at the time.

The inaugural committee charged with raising the funds necessary and getting the project under way were Chairman, Mr. G. R. Blackley; vice-president, Mr. O. J. Smith; joint-secretaries, Messrs. M. Hawkins and J. Bruce; treasurer, Mr. Whitteron; committee; Messrs. W. Catlin, G. D. Butterworth, H. Hyde, J. Mitchell, F. Hawkins, J. P. Flood, G. Beckwith, G. Japp, A. Welsh, R. Richards and W. Schade.

In 1952 the committee received word from NSW Public Works that “no Government funds were available” to help construct the pool, and in 1954 The Grazier reported the situation had not progressed.

In fact swimming carnivals and lessons had ceased, and were no longer held in the river, and Hay Shire Aldermen stated publicly that young lives may be lost while Hay waited for Government assistance.

Lobbying and fundraising continued, with sport days and community events held to boost the coffers.

A new committee was formed in 1956, with more success than its predecessor.

The funds for construction were eventually secured and plans were finalised in early 1966, before the pool opened in 1967.

It was named in honour of John Houston, the President of the Hay Swimming Pool Committee for the entire decade the final Committee existed.

Entry was initially via coin slot in the turnstile, but the entry fee system was abandoned many years later, and Hay became a welcome stop for many summer travellers, who broke up long, hot drives across the Hay Plains with a dip in the free pool.

Read next: More Hay history, detailing the journey of the Hay Jockey Club.

https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/history-of-hay-jockey-club/67354373aecbba05f07a0ca2#top