The 2019/2020 Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre swimming season will end one month earlier than usual to enable development work associated with the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub and the 50 metre outdoor pool refurbishment to proceed. The Aquatic Centre located on Margaret Street will close on 29 February 2020 and the Olympic swimming pool will remain closed for the 2020/2021 season until the hub project is completed in late 2021.
The seasonal public swimming pool precinct is owned by City of Mount Gambier and managed by Innovative Leisure Management Director Peter Collins. The centre usually opens during the warmer months from October through until April each year.
“Council understands that the early closure of the Aquatic Centre in 2020 and no access to the pool for the 2020/2021 season will be an inconvenience to the community,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.
“However, this is a necessary transition period for development work to occur on site as Council must build and deliver the hub, the largest infrastructure project it has ever undertaken, by the end of 2021.”
“The new facility will be worth the wait and will provide indoor climate controlled aquatics facilities accessible to the public all year round. It will include a learn to swim pool, children’s water splash/play area, a 25 metre pool and a warm water pool, in addition to the existing outdoor 50 metre pool.”
In a separate project announced last week, Council will refurbish the existing 50 metre pool to ensure it is compliant with contemporary standards at the same time as the hub is built.
“The closure will also enable Council to undertake the refurbishment simultaneously which will reduce disruption for residents in the long term and provide significant cost savings.”
The Aquatic Centre is currently used by individuals, children, families, schools and the Department for Education and Childhood Development (DECD) for swimming lessons, carnivals, early lap swimming, recreation, classes and competitive training sessions.
Council is working with Innovative Leisure Management to manage the shortened upcoming season to create as little disruption as possible.
In Term 4 2019, swimming lessons will be as normal and we are currently working through how to best deliver programming during Term 1 2020. We will keep schools and the public informed as decisions are made.- Innovative Leisure Management Director Peter Collins
“Schools will work proactively with Innovative Leisure Management over the coming months, however understand that there might be disruption to normal swimming programs,” Department for Education and Childhood Development Education Director Adam Box said.
“All schools in the area are eagerly awaiting the new hub and what this will provide for students.”
Aquatic Centre fees and charges for season passes for adults, pensioners, children and families will be adjusted accordingly for the shorter swimming season in 2019/2020.
“There will be no interruption to the normal course of business while the centre is open. All previous offerings will be available from 14 October 2019 to 29 February 2020,” Mr Collins said.
For further information about the Community and Recreation Hub project, visit http://www.haveyoursaymountgambier.sa.gov.au/CaRH
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
