THE Advertiser (June 29) carried a letter to the editor about the dearth of heated pools in SA.
The writer claimed that she had moved back to Adelaide and that every council from where she moved had multiple pools, including outdoor and indoor heated pools.
We are well informed about the great benefits to all, but especially to the elderly, of exercise and socialisation, which assist in delaying entry to residential assisted care.
As well, swimming programs to drown-proof children and encouraging the life-long value of exercise can only be beneficial to the community at large.
I live in Hewett, which is in the Light council area and regularly attend the STARplex pool and gym.
Both the pool and gym are very well attended.
Exercise classes are held most days in both the pool and the gym.
The Gawler pool, although heated, is not enclosed and is unavailable during the cooler seasons.
Although there are many gyms in Gawler, only two pools are available, one for summer and the other has limited daily times for the public.
The Gawler and Light regions are both experiencing significant population growth and I believe that if the Light council installed a 25m, eight-lane heated indoor pool and gym and the Gawler council provided facilities similar to the Elizabeth and Salisbury complexes, they would be extremely well attended all year round, resulting in year-round opportunities for appropriate exercise, socialisation and the long term benefits I have already outlined.
Kate McDougall, Hewett
