Bundaberg Aquatic Centre opened to the public last weekend with two free days for anyone keen to dive in first.
Over 1,600 community members took advantage of free entry, with many praising the long-awaited facility.
Among the first through the gate were Tim Casey and his son Daniel who was excited for the opening.
“We like it, it’s good,” Tim said. “It’s a long time coming.”
While Daniel was looking forward to school holiday fun, Tim said he would also use the facility for exercise.
“Mostly laps for me,” he said. “It’s a nice facility.”
Julie-Ann Patterson took her three grandsons, Jack, Myles and Archie along for a play in one of the two heated indoor pools.
“This is great for Bundaberg, this is really good,” Julie-Ann said.
“Congratulations to all who took part in this.
“We’ve been driving past and watching it get built and can’t believe we’re actually swimming in it!”
Clinton Croft is a wheelchair user and came along to learn more about the amenities including the hoist system to access all three pools.
“This is one of the better complexes I’ve seen anywhere in Australia,” Clinton said.
“I’ve done a lot of travelling since I’ve been disabled 18 years, and Townsville not as good, Childers not as good, Beatty Park in Perth not as good.
“This is really, really good.
“I can’t get to the viewing platform, there’s no elevator up for chairs, it’s only for able bods, but apart from that most things I see are pretty spot on.”
Clinton said he couldn’t wait to get in the pool himself, having arranged to use the hoist on the first Monday.
Lap swimmer Glenda David took the plunge in the 50m Olympic sized pool and said she could see herself using it a couple times a week.
“It’s beautiful, really beautiful,” she said.
“I like the temperature, so that’ll be great for winter.
“It’s just smicko, love it.
“Come on down and have a swim!”
Mayor extends appreciation
In a recent Mayoral Minute, Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said she wished to formally acknowledge and thank all those who contributed to the successful opening of the Aquatic Centre for the community.
“This achievement is the result of exceptional teamwork, dedication and commitment,” she said.
“In particular, I extend my gratitude to our CEO for his leadership and guidance throughout this project.
“General Manager Infrastructure Operations and Delivery for his tenacity and determination in driving this project forward.
“The Major Projects Team, whose expertise and persistence ensured the delivery of this important facility.
“General Manager People, Community and Connection for her outstanding coordination and attention to detail.
“Branch Manager Community and Facility Services and the team, who went above and beyond to overcome challenges and ensure the centre was ready for the public.
“I also thank Woollam and Belgravia for their professionalism and partnership in bringing this project to life.
“The Aquatic Centre is a vital asset for health, wellbeing and community connection, and its successful opening reflects the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.”
For more information about Bundaberg Aquatic Centre and opening hours, see their website at bundabergaquaticcentre.com.au.
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This long awaited facility is wonderful. We have visited as a family several times. Its great to have the pools under cover.
We wish it also had a water play area for children, like a splash pad and some small waterslides.
A few things we think could be better:
– the cooler of the two indoor pools is too deep for kids to play in
– the warmer pool is the perfect depth for kids but it is too warm. It should be a cooler temperature.
– the design of the ramp with the railing and the wall is strange and dangerous. It was not well thought out. The wall should be removed.
– one of the life guards is a bully she needs to show respect and kindness when dealing with the customers.