Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope celebrates 20 years of service to the community

Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope recently marked 20 years of service with a community celebration and family fun day held at the Centre.

The Centre is Council’s flagship leisure facility and offers a range of health, aquatic, leisure and recreation programs and services. Among these are: pools, a gym, 4 court multi-sport stadium, tennis courts, squash courts, spa and sauna.

Six years after the centre opened, it was expanded to includes the Dennis Johnson Library, an extended gym, squash courts and social lounge.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale noted “over the past 20 years, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope has welcomed more than 16 million visitors.

“Over 8 million people have used the pool facilities and 6 million have come here for their health and fitness.

“With another 1.5 million people coming to watch sports events and attend functions, this truly is a centre for all.

“What a monumental role this Centre plays in the life of our local community and in the wider region

“Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope is a classic example of what Council can provide for communities. Council is currently campaigning for change to NSW Government policy on developer levies that should be able to fund vital community infrastructure that supports the lifestyles of Blacktown City residents.”

An estimated 6,000 people attended the Centre’s celebration held over the weekend (4th -5th Feb) and made the most of free swimming on the day

The celebrations featured water slides, face painting, a petting zoo, live music and a super-sized birthday cake.

Councillor Chris Quilkey welcomed everyone to the party and was joined by Councillors Moninder Singh, Allan Green and Livingston Chettipally with special guest Maureen King, 1st President of the Stanhope Residents Association, who played a big part in the opening of the centre in 2003.

Image (left to right): Yvonne Tucker (Honorary Secretary of Blacktown Tennis Incorporated), Maureen King, Cecelia Ang (Stanhope Catering Team Leader), Cr Dr Singh, Cr Green, Kevin Jones (Manager Key Venues), Cr Quilkey, long-serving staff member Marie Simpson, Cr Chettipally, long- serving staff members Joselyn Askew and Amanda Mann and Joy Bourke (Manager Library Services)