Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre celebrates its second birthday

Sydney's Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre (ITAC) has celebrated two successful years of community recreation in the City.

Marking the occasion, the Centre yesterday hosted an open day for members, friends and the local community.

Acknowledging the achievement, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated "the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre is one of our City's most exciting architectural creations and a wonderful community recreation centre.

"We're thrilled to be celebrating the centre's second birthday this month and want to say a big thank you to more than 500,000 residents and visitors who have enjoyed this magnificent facility over the last two years."

Visitors enjoyed free pool entry to ITAC participating in a range of activities including an inflatable pool obstacle course and giant pool swing, as well as free cycling, swimming and fitness sessions.

Designed by the late Australian modernist architect late Harry Seidler and opened by Lord Mayor Moore MP on 26th August 2007, the $40 million facility includes an Olympic-sized pool, leisure pool, program pool, fitness centre, steam room, sauna and cafe.

Since opening two years ago, the YMCA managed facility has:

• Attracted more than 500,000 visitors;
• Taught thousands of children essential swimming and water safety skills;
• Been named the Aquatic and Recreation Institute 2009 Facility of the Year;
• Delivered health and fitness programs to hundreds of teenagers and school groups participating in "Teen Gym" classes to combat childhood obesity;
• Run 'prYme Movers' classes for over 100 seniors to help battle arthritis and osteoporosis and create social connections within the community; and
• Introduced a new family membership package priced at $35 per week for two parents and an unlimited number of children. It bundles children's swimming lessons, gym, group exercise classes, lap swimming, leisure swimming, aqua-aerobics and spa into one easy and affordable payment with no lock-in contracts.

Centre Manager Adrian Heffernan added "the centre is proud of the high quality of programs and services offered to local residents and visitors. We look forward to contributing to a happier and healthier community in the coming years."

For more information go to www.itac.org.au/