Hepburn Pool facts for kids
The Hepburn Pool is a special old swimming pool located in Hepburn Springs, Australia. It's not just any pool; it was built right into a natural stream called Spring Creek! This pool is part of the beautiful Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. It's so important that it's now listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, which means it's protected because of its history.
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What is the Hepburn Pool?
The Hepburn Pool was built a long time ago, in the early 1930s. It was made for guests staying at the Bellinzona Guest House, which was run by the Zelman family. They were famous Swiss Italian people who settled in the area.
How the Pool Was Built
The pool was created using a concrete wall, called a weir, and drystone walls. These walls shaped a natural dip in Spring Creek into a swimming area. Around the pool, there were terraced seats also made from drystone, where people could relax and watch. The weir has a special valve that lets water flow out into Spring Creek. This helps keep the creek healthy for nature.
An Early Competition Pool
The Hepburn Pool was once a very large pool, similar in size to what we now call an Olympic pool. It was one of the first pools used for competitions in the area. In the 1930s, it even hosted important swimming championships for the state of Victoria!
The Pool's History and Restoration
The Hepburn Pool was a popular spot for many years. However, it stopped being used in 1969. This was because a new Olympic-sized pool was built in a nearby town called Daylesford.
A Pool Reborn
After the pool closed, it slowly filled up with mud and dirt. But in the years 1993 to 1995, a group of dedicated volunteers decided to bring it back to life! Led by Merv Keating from the Savoia Hotel, they used old photos to help them rebuild parts that were missing, like the seating. Thanks to their hard work, the pool was conserved and looked much like it did in its early days.
A Favorite Place
In 2004, the Hepburn Pool was given a special award. It was named Victoria's Favourite Built Place! This was part of a worldwide event called the International Year of the Built Environment.
Protecting the Pool's Future
Around 2006, people started talking about how to keep the pool safe while also protecting its history. The Victorian Minister for Planning worked with the community to find solutions. In 2007, projects began to manage any risks at the site. These projects were funded by the Department of Sustainability and the Environment, showing how important the pool is to the community and the environment.
Images for kids
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Hepburn Pool
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Hepburn Pool
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Hepburn Pool
