The Eureka Pool management changed hands in November 2011, after the council awarded a tender to the YMCA, ending 39 years of management by the McKenzie family.

The changeover sparked public outcry among residents, with thousands joining a social media campaign “Eureka Pool Ballarat” and signing a petition to oppose the decision. 

Hundreds of people flocked to the Eureka Pool in protest, calling on the council to revoke its decision. 

Soon after the handover, the Eureka Pool’s 25-metre pool was controversially closed for hours, due to extra filtration needs, amid reports from residents the pool was “filthy” and unfit to swim in.

For almost 40 years, Peter McKenzie’s father Graeme operated the pool.

Mr McKenzie told The Courier his dad remained deeply affected by the council’s decision.

“That pool was his life,” Mr McKenzie said. 

Mr McKenzie said his family had taken pride in running the Eureka Pool. 

“It’s extremely disappointing that since the YMCA have taken over the four community pools, the Wendouree and Black Hill pools have been shut down and the other two have been handed back to the council,” he said.

 The YMCA will also hand the responsibility of the Buninyong pool back to the council in the coming weeks. 

Ballarat City Council chief executive officer Anthony Schinck confirmed the council would assume management of the Eureka and Buninyong pools from the beginning of summer.

He said the move would allow the YMCA to focus resources on the management of the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.

The YMCA was awarded a 10-year contract to run the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre in 2012. 

Mr Schinck said the move allowed the YMCA time to plan for the launch of the new multimillion-dollar indoor 50-metre pool. 

“The council’s new recreation strategy and the new aquatics strategy set out directions for how the council aims to enhance outdoor pools and deliver new aquatic play facilities,” Mr Schinck said. 

“Recently this required a difficult decision to rationalise the number of outdoor pools to enable the additional resources to be invested in remaining outdoor pools and new water play facilities.”

A new aquatic services team leader will be appointed by the council in the coming weeks and will oversee the management of the two pools as well as the Midlands Water Play Facility. 

Mr Schinck said patrons who had 2014-15 Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre memberships would still be able to use them at Eureka and Buninyong pools. 

YMCA chief executive officer Jane Robson said YMCA was given the contract of management for the four outdoor pools, after being the successful tenderer in 2011. 

Ms Robson said the contract ended in April 2014 and contract conditions provided for a two year extension at council’s discretion.

"The council advised the YMCA of their decision, based on their Aquatic Strategy, not to offer an extension and to manage the facilities ‘in house ‘ for the coming pool season," Ms Robson said.

She added that the management of Eureka Pool had been undertaken by "dedicated and hardworking staff" and hundreds of people had enjoyed the pool and the upgraded amenities funded by the council. 

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au