The Adelaide Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre (formally the Onkaparinga War Memorial Swimming Centre) was officially opened on the 28th of November 1970. Six years after local residents Norm Semmler and Graham Langbein recognised the need in the area for a pool where local children could learn to swim. The only other facility at the time being a small pool at the Oakbank Area School.
With support from the chairman from the Onkaparinga district council Mr. Fred Gale, a meeting was called and soon after a decision was made for an 82-foot by 45-foot pool, with a budget of 22-24,000 pounds. The money to be collected by fundraising organised by an elected pool committee. Fundraising activities included selling chopped wood, Debutante Balls and many novelty competitions.
After opening the pool to the public in 1970, with great success, the pool relied heavily on the committee of volunteers as well as the Ladies Auxilliary to help with the general running of the pool and manning the canteen.
The pool today
Although now staffed by a salaried pool manager, the pool is still managed by a community-based committee.
