Redeveloped $27.3m Oak Park pool with two waterslides making a splash
AFTER a massive $27.3 million redevelopment, the Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre is reopening just in time for summer. We take a sneak peek at what’s in store for swimmers.
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THE LONG-awaited $27.3 million Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre is set to make a big splash in the community when it opens today.
The Leader got a sneak peek of the rebuilt centre, featuring a 50m outdoor pool, two giant waterslides, a children's splash area and indoor gym.
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Moreland Mayor John Kavanagh praised chief executive Nerina Di Lorenzo for her efforts financing the entirely council-funded redevelopment of the pool.
The upgrade to the pool, originally built in 1966, is the biggest project ever funded by the council.
The 24-hour gym will include a cycle studio and group fitness spaces, while a new sports pavilion has also been built on the site.
The council expects about 200,000 visitors to the centre every year.
Cr Kavanagh said the idea for the upgrade started back in 1994, when Moreland was handed the pool by the former Broadmeadows Council.
Work finally began in May last year. “This day has been a long time coming and we are excited it has finally arrived,” he said.
“(The pool) not only delivers opportunities for everyone to stay active, healthy and connected, but supports the next generation of swimmers to reach their potential.”
Olympic swimmers Josh Beaver and Ash Delaney joined the mayor as the first to try out the slides.
“These are amazing facilities, there’s nothing better than a crisp outdoor pool, it’s nice and enticing for athletes,” Beaver said.
The historic Oak Park elephant has returned to the pool after receiving a fresh lick of paint from artist Michael ‘Inkboy’ Bennett, based on a design by Glenroy West Primary School student Giovanna.
Cr Kavanagh said the elephant was first installed more than 40 years ago after a real elephant tried to make a break from a circus held across the road from the pool.
The pool in Pascoe Vale Rd is open seven days a week, with the outdoor area open until April 30.
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