JIMMY Hain was initially sceptical of the almost $1.4 million upgrade of the Toronto Baths.
But once the Bolton Point 78-year-old dived in for his daily lap session, he became an instant convert.
"Since they did the baths up, it's been much more pleasant to swim here," Mr Hain told the Newcastle Herald after completing a lap.
"I thought it might have been a waste of money for the amount of use it actually gets. But withstanding that, the people who are using it are enjoying it and I'm hoping it brings more young people."
Mr Hain, a retired butcher, has had open heart surgery and two knee replacements but still exercises daily, either cycling from Bolton Point to West Wallsend or swimming up to one kilometre.
While he previously swam at Merewether Baths, the recent upgrade at Toronto - which includes an accessibility ramp, jetty decking around the entire pool and netting - has made the baths a more attractive option.
"People who were a bit hesitant about coming down here because there were no nets, won't be now," he said.
On Wednesday Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz, Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper, NSW Government representative Emily Suvaal and Toronto Early Swimmers Club members Bevan McGregor and Ron McSporran cut the ribbon on the baths' official re-opening in time for the hectic summer period.
The NSW Government spent $1 million on the 99-year-old baths' rejuvenation as part of its $16.7 million Places To Swim program, while Lake Macquarie City Council tipped in close to $400,000.
The upgrade forms an important piece of the council's ongoing Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation project, which also includes a rotunda-style pavilion, public square, terraced lawn and open foreshore space, expanded cafe areas, barbecues, landscaping, pathways, shade areas and an upgraded children's playground.
"There's 95 suburbs around the lake and to replicate the success of Belmont Baths here in Toronto, effectively on the boulevard, is phenomenal and the community has been crying out for it for a few years," Cr Shultz said.
Ms Suvaal said projected population growth on the western side of Lake Macquarie, its natural beauty and its tourism appeal, convinced the NSW Government that it was worth investing in Toronto Baths.
"What has been really good about this upgrade, in particular, is the accessibility upgrades and making it safe, by enclosing and netting it so young families can come here," Ms Suvaal said.
The council-run Toronto Baths first opened in 1925 and have been a popular community asset for generations of Lake Macquarie residents and visitors.
