Town of Port Hedland and YMCA partnership initiates Port Hedland Leisure

The Town of Port Hedland and YMCA Perth have entered into a four year partnership which will provide the Port Hedland community with a range of high quality aquatic, recreation and sporting services.

The new partnership will see YMCA Perth manage Port Hedland's three major recreation facilities: Gratwick Aquatic Centre, South Hedland Aquatic Centre as well as the new multi purpose recreation centre located in South Hedland.

The Town's new recreation centre will host a variety of recreation and leisure programs and encompasses an indoor stadium, fitness centre, group fitness studio, high quality function centre, meeting rooms, squash courts, club facilities and three outdoor courts.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said the new management agreement would benefit the community by providing recreation services to a metropolitan standard, significantly increase the existing aquatic centres' operating hours and provide an improved range of programs for all Port Hedland residents and visitors.

Mayor Howlett explained "the key objectives behind the partnership are to develop Port Hedland's leisure facilities and associated services to a high standard.

"The partnership extends and strengthens the Town's existing relationship with the YMCA and has been developed through extensive industry research conducted on other like-sized recreation facilities and negotiations focused on achieving the best outcomes possible for the local community."

Mayor Howlett also noted that the evolution of the Port Hedland Leisure brand was an exciting outcome of the strong partnership between the Town of Port Hedland and the YMCA.

She added "the Port Hedland Leisure brand is anticipated to become synonymous with the full range of recreational activities available for the community. Residents will turn to Port Hedland Leisure not only as a direct service provider but also as a referral source for other activities designed to activate the community."

In support of this vision, YMCA Executive Manager Recreation Rohan Gunton highlighted that the YMCA's priority in Port Hedland was to draw on experienced people both locally and from around Australia to deliver professional recreation services to the town.

Gunton added "we have recruited a mix of local, experienced staff and highly qualified staff from other centres around Australia, which will provide Port Hedland residents with access to well-managed sports programs, fitness classes and recreation activities.

"We are delighted about consolidating our relationship with the Town of Port Hedland at such a pivotal time in the development of their leisure facilities.

"The new recreation centre design and finish is second to none, the introduction of the aqua play area and wave simulator at the South Hedland aquatic centre is exciting and let's not forget about the Gratwick Aquatic Centre - which at sunset is one of the most picturesque facilities in Australia.

"There are exciting times ahead for the Port Hedland community and we are honoured to be involved."

The Town of Port Hedland and the YMCA have operated in partnership in the management of the Town's aquatic facilities and associated services since 2003.

For more information on Port Hedland Leisure and the development of the new recreation centre visit www.porthedlandleisure.com.au

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