South Hedland Aquatic Centre finally opens

The Town of Port Hedland has finally opened the doors on its $10.5 million refurbishment of the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (SHAC).

Completed in January, the official opening was delayed by Cyclone Rusty, the after effects of which led to water contamination, and by difficulties in recruiting staff.

To improve the water quality to meet Department of Health statutory water standards, primary contractor Commercial Aquatics Australia (CAA) undertook remediation works at the facility, removing filter medium from overfilled filters, cleaning all filters and refilling them to proper levels.

The contractor has also installed new systems to improve the effectiveness of future backwashing, as well as investigating other areas of potential contamination.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said that the new facility is something the community can be proud of, stating "the main and leisure pools and the new Aqua Tower and BHP Billiton (LatiTube) wave rider are great recreational facilities and I urge the community to take advantage of this fantastic aquatic centre.

"Whilst this project has suffered from delays in achieving clear water results, I think that once the community has experienced this magnificent addition to our recreation facilities, they will be delighted with the outcome."

Welcoming the opening, Town of Port Hedland Marketing Manager Rebecca Nicol explained that the facility's "Aqua Tower and the BHP Billiton LatiTube wave rider ... (have been) in great demand."

As SHAC is heated, Nicol added "this will be the first time residents have had the opportunity to swim in warm water during the cooler dry season.

"Despite Port Hedland's temperate climate, in the past only the hardiest of swimmers have been able to continue swimming all year round.

"(Now) during the winter, the water temperature will be maintained at approximately 27 degrees Celsius in the main pool and 29 degrees Celsius in the leisure pool."

Nicol also explained how the new facilities will be a year round venue for Port Hedland residents with "specific benefits (extending to) for swimmers who use the pool for fitness."

Nicol expects the Hedland Swimming Club to expand its season while the Hedland Water Polo association will be able to play more than one season.

The YMCA, who manage the Centre on behalf of the Town, have already began their swimming programs.

From today (Monday 17th June), 300 children are enrolled in learn-to-swim programs, which can now also be undertaken throughout the year.

The Town of Port Hedland has also recently opened its $13.7 million Marquee Park Splash and Play splashpad.

The Park features interactive water-play equipment, a dry playground, fencing, large grassed areas and BBQ facilities which are available for hire for private or community events, on-site caretaker, CCTV coverage, bike paths integrated with the neighbourhood, bus bays and a car park.

Both the SHAC redevelopment project and the Marquee Park Splash and Play project have been partnerships between the Town of Port Hedland, BHP Billiton Iron Ore, the Western Australian Government's Royalties for Regions program and the Pilbara Development Commission, Department of Sport and Recreation and Federal Government's Regional Local Government Infrastructure Program.

For more information go to www.porthedlandleisure.com.au

Lower image show the LatiTube surf wave simulator at SHAC.

26th April 2013 - STAFF TRAINING BEGINS AT SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE’S LATITUBE SURF SIMULATOR

1st March 2013 - CYCLONE RUSTY DELAYS SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE REOPENING

31st July 2012 - TRAINING TO ADDRESS POOL MANAGER SHORTAGE IN THE PILBARA AND KIMBERLEY

13th July 2012 - TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND AND YMCA PARTNERSHIP INITIATES PORT HEDLAND LEISURE

30th May 2012 - SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE DEVELOPMENT TO FEATURE ARTIFICIAL SURF WAVE

6th April 2011 - STANDING SURF WAVE SIMULATOR A REALITY