Newly installed ice baths at Rod Laver Arena enhance accessibility and athlete performance

Ice baths recently installed at Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open have been designed with a focus on universal access.

Engaging the expertise of Tennis Australia and Get Skilled Access (GSA), founded by Multiple Wheelchair Tennis Grand Slam Champion, Paralympian, and disability advocate Dylan Alcott OAM, the venue has revolutionised its recovery facilities to cater to athletes of all abilities.

Three individual ice bath rooms, with five separate ice baths, have replaced a single, elevated ice bath room with four individual baths. The baths were locally fabricated, with bespoke stainless-steel vessels, and an individual system for each ice bath room.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks Director of Infrastructure, Nathan Dallas advises "with a focus on inclusivity and performance enhancement, our vision was to create a space that caters to the needs of athletes while upholding the highest standards of accessibility and prioritising dignity.

“In consultation with wheelchair athletes through GSA, as well as Tennis Australia, we have optimised ergonomics and design for the baths and the space overall for maximum comfort and usability.”

Key features of the newly installed ice baths include:

• Universal design for accessibility – Every element meticulously crafted to ensure individual access with minimal assistance required including secure camera feeds for remote monitoring of player safety by nearby attendants, and integration of duress and emergency pool system stop buttons near baths for use in event of emergency

• Automatic sliding doors – Balancing security and ease of access to guarantee seamless entry for all athletes

• Raised universally accessible baths for easy seated transfer – Reducing dependency on hoists or staff assistance, facilitating a smoother transition into the baths

• Dedicated dry treatment zone adjacent to the ice baths – Strategically positioned for effortless direct access to and from the courts, maintaining dignity and ease for athletes during transfers

Dallas adds "not only did we prioritise accessibility, but we also ensured a design that elevates the space, maintaining the world-class standard reflective of a global event like the Australian Open.

“We have fully tiled walls and floors for maintaining cleanliness, and improved the feel for the areas with the use of high-spec finishes and specialised lighting. Players now have truly world-class recovery facilities available to them, which is exactly the intent of the project.”

The use of ice baths is crucial to a player’s cool down and recovery, helping with the reduction of pain and inflammation, and to avoid heat exhaustion. These new ice baths also have an increased depth compared to the previous.

This initiative underscores Melbourne & Olympic Parks’ commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

The Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct is Melbourne’s centre stage for live sports, events and entertainment, and home to world-class venues including AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Rod Laver Arena, CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park and KIA Arena.