Whyalla Recreation Centre upgrade works cater for rising usage

Patrons of the Whyalla Recreation Centre can now enjoy a series of upgrades to the facility including internal structural works, new aquatic equipment and maintenance to the facility’s plant room and spa area.

Funding for the $208,000 works program was provided by City of Whyalla with the project managed by YMCA South Australia, which manages the facility in partnership with Council.

The works were identified as a priority to renew and maintain both plant and public facing amenities to cope with recent strong growth in membership.

Whyalla Recreation Centre YMCA Manager Kimberley Nitschke said the upgrades were needed to increase the safety and efficiency of the important community asset.

Nitschke advised “we’ve installed a new entrance to the aquatic area making it safer for children and also removed a wall between the spa and main pool to increase visibility for lifeguards. The security of kids in particular was a major inspiration for these changes.”

Other upgrades include a new pool vacuum, lane ropes and the installation of Platypus pool steps to aid easier access to the main pool for people with limited mobility.

Nitschke added “we are proud of our centre, but it’s over 40 years old and these upgrades really help us present it in the best condition possible. It’s a community centre and we want to make it easy and attractive for everyone to enjoy.”

Whyalla has undergone a resurgence on the back of heavy investment in the town’s steelworks plant by owner Sanjeev Gupta. As part of community growth planning, Council has prioritised further development of recreation facilities to cater for a significant population increase over the next decade.

Image: Whyalla Recreation Centre YMCA manager Kimberley Nitschke managed a $208,000 renovation to the facility.