For swimmers, it’s been a long wait for the city’s only 50m pool to re-open, particularly one that’s been closed for the bulk of summer – a 10-month, $9 million refurbishment expected to finish early May.
But at least the new pool, with its first upgrade in 30 years, will have a name.
It’ll be known as Jodie Henry Pool, named after the city’s most acclaimed swimmer.
The new name will likely be endorsed at tomorrow’s council meeting.
“I remember doing primary school swim meets (at the pool), as we weren’t fortunate enough to have a pool at our school,” Ms Henry, a former Springwood Central State School student, said.
“Once I got a bit better, there were quite a few swim meets held there representing the swim club … (and) once I’d had my own kids, we’d go there for a splash with my dad.”
She said she hoped youngsters – particularly young women – would take up swimming, or get involved in any regular sport.
“I couldn’t be happier to help that cause, because the more women that are represented in sport, the better it is going to be for generations to come,” she said.
Ms Henry won three gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics (100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay).
She was the first Australia since Dawn Fraser in 1964 to win the individual 100m freestyle at an Olympics.
During her careeer, she claimed three world records.
The former Springwood girl represented Australia at the swimming World Championships, the Pan Pacific Championships, and the Commonwealth Games, and was inducted to the City of Logan’s Wall of Acclaim in 2015.
She still has connections with the city, and judged last year’s sports awards.
“Jodie’s achievements are an inspiration to our next generation of swimmers who might be dreaming about the 2032 Olympics to be staged in Southeast Queensland,” mayor Darren Power said.
“As an avid swimmer, I share our community’s passion for this fantastic sport and know many would strongly support naming our new pool after Jodie to celebrate her many achievements.”
The upgrade of Logan North Aquatic Centre includes:
• space for two additional lanes;
• improved water quality controls;
• new energy-efficient pumps and filtration;
• the removal of obsolete pipework; and
• a new children’s water play splash pad.
The centre’s inSports gym, the indoor pool and, the Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School remain open while development works continue.
The Logan North Aquatic Centre is at 2 Sports Drive in Underwood.
