Mount Barker’s decommissioned Mountain Pool to become open space as $51.8m Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre opens

This fast-growing town’s beloved old pool occupied a huge block – now the prime land’s future has been revealed just as a stunning replacement aquatic centre opens.

Acacia Davis, 13, and her mother Kylie Davis at the opening of Mount Barker’s $51.8m Summit Aquatic and Leisure centre. Picture: Dean Martin

Mount Barker’s mayor has ­revealed a huge block of land formerly used for the town’s decommissioned Mountain Pool will be kept as open space, ahead of the pool’s $51.8m replacement opening on Monday.

A tryout day at the Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre, before its official opening on Monday, was held for community members on Saturday after construction finished earlier this month.

Mount Barker Mayor David Leach said the 8000sq m block formerly occupied by the Mountain Pool would soon become parkland. The council-owned land would “absolutely not” be used for commercial or residential developments.

Harper Welsh, 7, her sister, Lorelai, 10, and Acacia Davis, 13 at the opening of Mount Barker’s $51.8m Summit Aquatic and Leisure. Picture: Dean Martin

Erik Geiss and his son Kai, 6, with lifesaver Alyssa Watkins at the opening of Mount Barker’s $51.8m Summit Aquatic and Leisure. Picture: Dean Martin

he new aquatic centre, to be managed by Belgravia Leisure, is the result of a $29.5m council investment, $15m from the federal government and $7.3m from state government. Picture: Dean Martin

“(It could be) things like a gathering space from local residents, where you could have a birthday party or a couple of electric barbecues and some shade … something that everybody can enjoy,” he said.

The council is seeking community feedback regarding how the land could be used.

The new aquatic centre, to be managed by Belgravia Leisure, is the result of a $29.5m council investment, $15m from the federal government and $7.3m from state government.

It includes a 25m competition and lap pool, a learn-to-swim and play pool, and a warm water therapy pool, along with a gym, exercise studios, a creche, a cafe and community meeting rooms.

“I would very confidently say there is no better aquatic centre in South Australia than this one,” Mr Leach said.

It will officially open on Monday. Picture: Dean Martin

Mount Barker District Council and Belgravia Leisure invited the community to try out the new centre ahead of the official opening. Picture: Dean Martin

The federal government committed $15m while the state government contributed $7.3m. Picture: Dean Martin

Belgravia Leisure SA general manager Catherine Foreman said more than 1250 people had already bought aquatic or health club memberships, and more than 550 had signed up for swim school, exceeding the company’s predictions.

“It’s been really good demand throughout the whole community,” she said.

Flaxley teen Acacia Davis, 13, said she hoped to attend “very often”. “I only came here for an hour today, but I have to come in more because it’s really fun,” she said.

Mount Barker man Jason Martins, 36, who has enrolled his daughters, 4 and 1, in swimming lessons, said he was particularly impressed by the centre’s “massive” car park.