While the indoor pools are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, staff are making the most of the time to work on a range of projects including the design of the mushroom.

Orange City Council's sports and recreation committee chair Jason Hamling said the idea was floated to give the younger members of the swimming community a chance to contribute to the new look.

"There's been good interest since the colouring-in and design competition was launched this week," he said.

"We have three age categories and a prize for each, so we're hoping it will be a good project for local young people to be involved with."

Mr Hamling said people can download the entry form from the Aquatic Centre's Facebook page and get to work.

"It will be interesting to see if people go for intricate detailed details or simple colour schemes," he said.

"We want it to be attractive and fun when younger children are playing nearby."

One design will be chosen to be inspire the new paint-work of the mushroom.

Mr Hamling also said since the outdoor pool re-opened last week they have been delighted with how the swimmers have responded to the need to enforce social distancing.

"Our regulars have adapted well to the require to book ahead before they do lap-swimming. It's fantastic they're being so patient," he said.

"The Aquatic Centre staff are making the most of the time to work on a range of maintenance projects and I'm sure regular swimmers will notice the difference when we're in a position to re-open the indoor pools again."

Entries close on June 7 and to download the entry form, head to: https://www.facebook.com/orangeaquaticcentre/