City of Casey develops future Aquatic Facilities Strategy

The City of Casey in outer south eastern Melbourne is currently reviewing its aquatic facilities and services needs to develop a new Aquatic Strategy.

The Council - which currently owns the Casey ARC, Casey RACE and Dovetone Pool in the Park - has developed the Draft Casey Aquatic Facilities Strategy 2019-41 which includes a review of its existing facilities and future needs.

The Council explains that "the Strategy will ensure Council is well informed and placed to plan for and deliver high quality and economically sustainable aquatic facilities, which will respond to current and future demand and fulfil community expectations."

With the residents and stakeholders invited to contribute to the survey, input will be used to inform the final Strategy which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of the year

The vision for the Council’s aquatic facilities is for "high-quality and accessible aquatic and leisure facilities (that) will excite residents and visitors to be healthy, active and connected. Within a growing and diverse Casey, everyone is afforded the opportunity to learn to swim."

Recommendations include an ability to meet future demand with accessible, affordable and inclusive facilities and participation opportunities that are well planned, maintained and managed and which are environmentally sustainable.

Key Aquatic Facilities Projects:

• Casey RACE & ARC - explore opportunities to upgrade and expand
• Dovetone Pool in the Park - prepare a master plan for the site that considers the historical land use, aquatic education, multi-purpose programmable rooms, aquatic leisure water play and adventure play experiences
• Develop a new aquatic facility in the Clyde Growth Area
• Develop a funding strategy for implementing improvements to existing and new aquatic facilities
• Continue to provide fitness at the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre

The Council's current facilities and status:

Casey ARC
Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) was constructed 16 years ago and is located opposite the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre on the Princes Highway in Narre Warren. The facility consists of a 50 metre lap pool, toddler pool, wave pool, spa, sauna, steam room, health club, sports medicine clinic and café.

Casey RACE
Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre (RACE) is located in Cranbourne East and was constructed seven years ago. The facility consists of a 50 metre lap pool, toddler pool, warm water pool, indoor splash park, waterslides, spa, sauna, steam room, health club and café.

Clyde Aquatics & Recreation Centre
A new aquatics and recreation facility has been proposed for Casey’s growth front through the Clyde Creek Precinct Structure Plan. The facility will be located in Clyde, adjacent to a new Major Activity Centre.

The facility development is proposed for beyond 2028.

Doveton 'Pool in the Park'
Doveton 'Pool in the Park' (DPIP) is an outdoor pool facility constructed in 1968 and consists of a 50 metre pool, toddler’s pool, learners pool with small water slide and separate open water slide.

In 2006 Council provided funds to upgrade the leisure features.

Image: The 50 metre pool at the Casey RACE. Image courtesy of YMCA Victoria.