Aquatic Centre closure in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021

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.”

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.