If smiles on the faces of 2000 swim fans at the recent opening of the $19 million Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre were any indication, this project has been a splashing success.
Mayor Damien Ryan, Federal Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon, and Northern Territory Sport and Recreation Minister Karl Hampton welcomed the swimmers and sightseers to the ultra modern centre.
The centre boasts two waterslides, a heated indoor eight lane 25 metre lap pool, kiosk and café reception, spectator seating, administration and amenities. It also has a second 20 metre pool with a beach entry, toddler area, indoor spa and lazy river, as well as a four lane learn to swim section with ramp access for people with disabilities.
Mayor Damien Ryan said the project is the fulfilment of a long term vision.
“It is all wrapped in a sleek fit out coupled with a unique and very human addition seldom seen in public infrastructure: public art,” he said.”This is worked up from ceramic tiles donated by townspeople along with others that were painted by local schoolchildren plus an enchanting water themed decal wall and mosaic walkway.”
On 5 October 1974, the 50 metre Olympic pool and adjoining complex were opened.
Since then the pool has undergone a variety of redevelopments, however the largest of these was in February 2008 when stage 1 of the new Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre started after years of planning and nearly a decade of lobbying by Council for funding.
Stage 2 commenced in September 2009 and encompasses this state of the art, brand new facility which was opened in April 2011.
