Indoor 25 metre pool with ramp.
Designed for Inclusivity
The Centre’s hydrotherapy pool with hoist.
Collette Holland describes how all abilities access is at the heart of the new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre
T
he City of Sydney’s new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in the inner-city precinct of Green Square is the largest aquatic centre built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games. Opened in February and managed by Belgravia Leisure, the Centre’s design, inspired by Sydney’s famous ocean swimming spots, includes an inclusive physical activity hub with all abilities access. Sited within the 278-hectare Green Square urban renewal area, in 10 years, the area will be home to more than 62,000 residents, and one of the most densely populated spots in Australia. The state-of-the-art $106.5 million facility features a 50 metre outdoor pool set within recreational paddling areas, an indoor 25 metre pool with moveable floor, a children’s water playground, hydrotherapy pool, gym, creche, café, sports field and outdoor training circuit. Introducing the Centre, City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated “this is the City’s sixth and largest aquatic centre right in the middle of one of Sydney’s fastest growing precincts. From children splashing and serious swimmers improving their lap times to gym-lovers and sports teams on the field, this terrific centre has something for everyone.”
All abilities access The Centre has been carefully designed to suit all members of our diverse community. The Centre has a Changing Places facility to meet the needs of people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. It is equipped with a height adjustable adult-sized change table, a constant charging ceiling hoist track system, a centrally located toilet, adequate circulation space, an automatic door and a privacy screen. The hoist can lift someone from the accessible space and carry them along a track on the ceiling through to the hydrotherapy pool. Anyone from the community is welcome to use the Changing Places facility to change and use the bathroom. The complex is also the first in NSW to include an Access Key. The Access Key is an online guide that provides visitors with information to help visitors with Autism, cognitive disability, intellectual disability, dementia and Alzheimer’s familiarise themselves with the facility and plan their journey ahead of time, online. The 25-metre heated indoor pool with a moveable floor means we can change the pool’s depth for programming for all abilities including water polo, underwater hockey and The Centre’s aquatic playground.
52 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 143
