Oak Park pool too popular, turns back visitors on summer’s hottest day

Swimmers were warned not to visit their local pool on summer’s hottest day as the new Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre proved too popular and hit capacity.

Bumper crowds have forced a newly-opened pool in Oak Park to turn away swimmers twice already this summer.

The $23.7 million Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre opened in October with annual visitor forecasts of up to 200,000 people.

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But as the temperature soared beyond 40 degrees on Friday, a Facebook post from Moreland Council declared it had reached capacity and was operating on a ‘one-out-one-in basis’.

Tahlia, 8, and Isabelle, 5, enjoying the splash area at the Oak Park Sports and Aquatics Centre

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It marked the second day the centre had reached capacity, which sits at 1500 patrons.

Initial projections from the council expected about 200,000 visitors to the centre each year. The centre was solely funded by the council.

Attendance at the Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre has been booming.

Moreland Deputy Mayor Mark Riley said membership numbers and casual visitors had been slightly above the council’s projections so far.

“Since its official opening council has been pleased with the overall performance of the facility,” he said.

“New and redeveloped facilities always attract large numbers of visitors and over time interest and curiosity stabilises.

“Summer is peak period for Oak Park so it’s not unexpected if it were to reach capacity again.”

In the event capacity is reached at the centre, updates are provided on Facebook, physical signs are erected at the pool to direct patrons elsewhere and customers are advised to call the centre directly on 8311 4600.

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