THE council says it still has to maintain the city pool for many years to come while it prepares to change the face of the CBD.
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Tamworth Regional Council put its draft masterplan for Bicentennial Park on public exhibition on Monday.
The draft is certain to create some debate in the community with the council revealing a vision to decommission the city pool in favour of more green space.
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However, the council's manager of sports and recreation, Paul Kelly, was eager to point out the plan could take 20 years to fully materialise.
Mr Kelly also highlighted the council had spent "tens of thousands of dollars" on upgrades to ensure the city pool has an immediate future.
"There have been a significant number of infrastructure improvements undertaken on the pool in readiness for when the drought breaks and we will operate it [again]," he said.
"We are also aware this masterplan is for a 20 year period.
"So, the fact is we have to maintain that site for many years to come until a new facility is up and running."
The proposal for more green space, including alfresco dining and stage areas on the current pool site, comes following community consultation for the aquatic centre.
The council stated it would look to sell the current pool sites to help fund the proposed year-round aquatic centre.
However, it believed there was a strong response calling for the space to be retained as a public park.
There are also plans to upgrade Number One Oval to help it cater for major outdoor events like the festival.
The council was also keen to create more access to the Peel River with the potential addition of a weir and kayak launching areas.
"It's also having a good mix between catering for young and old," Mr Kelly said.
"I think once we get the plan over the line we then need to look at a strategy to fund it.
"It is really important to understand this is just community consultation."
People can have their say on the Bicentennial Park draft masterplan online.