AusLeisure

The recent opening of stage one of the Lithgow Aquatic Centre redevelopment features an interactive toddlers pool, a new amenities block, new public access, new parking area, public toilets and a new concourse area.

The $2 million first stage of the redevelopment of the Lithgow War Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool was dogged by controversy through its planning stages, with objectors doubting that the facilities will be enjoyed by the whole community.

Further controversy followed the closure of the facility's toddler and wading pools during the redevelopment.

However, the new interactive toddlers pool, a HIDROPLAY® aquatic playscape, which features cascading waterfalls and water play items, has been welcomed by youngsters and families. With a 200mm constant depth the pool incorporates perimeter seating for parents plus a wide variety of themed water feature for toddlers to play under adult supervision.

Daniel Leaver from HIDROPLAY® designers and installers, Swimplex explains "Lithgow Pool is the latest in the line of aquatic centres to embrace the advantages of installing a HIDROPLAY® aquatic playscape.

"The uniquely Australian designed and made range of interactive water play features brings both parents and kiddies together in a fun-filled and healthy environment.

"Our clients have noted a very marked increase in the numbers of mums and bubs coming to the pool now Hidroplay is installed (and, the facility's managers have told us) they come at times of they day when we were quiet and they spend big at the coffee machine!"

HIDROPLAY® used the Lithgow installation to launch its new Tippling Cockatoo range of water features, installing the 'Cockaone'.

Leaver adds "the Australian theme of using the parrots has attracted great attention."

The new pool entrance and amenities block means the elderly or disabled swimmers need no longer need to negotiate the facilties' former steep access.

Speaking at the recent opening of the Facility Design Group designed facility, NSW Senator Matt Thistlethwaite stated "this is a great example of the Ggovernment and the community working together to attract not only the kids, but the whole community, to sports.

"It's a fantastic piece of social infrastructure."

Lithgow Mayor Neville Castle also praised the job, naming it a "vastly improved groundwork for all future stages of the project."

Plans for the next stage of the development, which awaits funding, include a 25 metre indoor pool.

For more information on HIDROPLAY® call Swimplex Aquatics on 02 6651 9825, E: leaver@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au

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