Lake Macquarie Council’s draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy suggests expansion of swimming amenities

Lake Macquarie Council’s draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy suggests expansion of swimming amenities

With the area’s population expanding, Lake Macquarie Council is inviting input to a draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy that suggests an expansion and improvement of its swimming facilities.

Advising that community input is now open on the Aquatic Facilities Strategy, which will guide the future of the city’s six swim centres, Lake Macquarie Council Section Manager Community Assets, Brendan Callander explained “this is all about catering to our rapidly increasing population, because we know that in 20 years our city will be home to 30,000 more people.

“This is all about catering to our rapidly increasing population, because we know that in 20 years our city will be home to 30,000 more people.”

Among the proposals in the draft Strategy, Speers Point Swim Centre could be expanded to include a heated indoor pool, new amenities and an 'adventure zone' with slides and a water zipline course while the Swansea and West Wallsend swim centres would also be upgraded to feature indoor pools which would run learn to swim and warm water therapy sessions, year-round.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the strategy would focus on making swim centres more accessible, safe and inclusive, noting “whether it's for rehabilitation, training or teaching kids how to swim, we want every member of the community to be able to enjoy our swim centres.”

Council owns swim centres at Speers Point, Morisset, Charlestown, Toronto, West Wallsend and Swansea.

Morisset and Toronto swim centres are operated by external contractors.

Feedback received will be coupled with research to develop a final Strategy.

Residents can have their say through an online survey until 11th April.

Go to shape.lakemac.com.au for more information.

Image: Lake Macquarie resident Karen Buckner at Charlestown Swim Centre.