The new aquatic area at Mill Park Leisure has opened with a splash, welcoming new and returning visitors to the centre after an extraordinary transformation.
The centre now features four new and upgraded pools including a 25-metre lap pool, a warm water program pool, a children's play pool and a dedicated learn-to-swim pool.
The innovative centre has been designed with a focus on accessibility with the installation of a pool pod, providing independent lift access into the pool, state-of-the-art hoists, two Changing Places accessible toilets and change rooms and ramps into the lap pool and warm water pool.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said Council was excited to be reopening the inclusive community facility at a time when many residents are eager to recommence their health and wellbeing routines after the easing of the Victorian Government's latest Covid restrictions.
"The transformation of Mill Park Leisure into an accessible health and wellness hub strengthens Council's commitment to providing high quality and inviting facilities for the whole community to enjoy," Ms Wilson said.
"The centre brings us one step closer to achieving our community vision - to transform our City into a place for all that supports residents to reach their health and fitness goals in a safe and inclusive space.
"We were due to open the aquatic facility at the end of May, however, a new Covid outbreak stalled that plan for a few weeks."
With more than 1600 enrolments in Mill Park Leisure's premium learn-to-swim program, the reopening of the aquatic area marks an exciting time for City of Whittlesea families.
South Morang Mum Rebecca Saitta said she is glad to have a new pool close to home to take her children Mason, 8, and Milana, 6, to swimming lessons.
"Once my kids learnt there were waterslides there, they said 'I want to go there', and the kids are able to use those facilities for free after their swimming lessons," Mrs Saitta said. "They're pretty excited."
The City of Whittlesea has invested $20 million into the Mill Park Leisure redevelopment and has received $2 million in funding from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund and $3 million from the Community Sport Infrastructure Fund.
Admission to Mill Park Leisure is currently capped at 300 people, in line with the Victorian Government's health advice and the facility has a CovidSafe plan in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
