Products

Opened in 2021, the City of Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, originally budgeted at $50 million when the project was approved in 2015, cost a reported $106 million.

Solutions It is unlikely that a straight ‘like-for-like’ replacement of all ageing aquatic facilities, will or should take place. However, several case studies show opportunities to rethink the Australian approach to aquatic facility provisioning in Australia.

The report includes recommendations to rethink the approach to the provision of aquatic facilities to ensure that the community can continue to access these into the future. These include: •Prioritising function over form and keeping new designs simple, modular and scalable •Exploring Public-Private-Partnerships to funding infrastructure •Lowering access barriers such as entry fees to increase the use and impact of existing aquatic facilities and create greater social value and return •Local government collaboration and partnership on aquatic facility provisioning •Considering how the private sector can provide benefits traditionally serviced by local governments such as learn to swim and how governments can subsidise activities which are not market based such as lap swimming and recreational play at commercially owned and operated aquatic facilities •Exploring how schools might build and share their aquatic facilities •Encouraging and facilitating greater cooperation between councils for service provisioning and purchasing •Exploring how clubs and associations who may seek the use of aquatic facilities might also consider collaborative approaches to the development of such facilities

Even with exploring novel ways of addressing the coming gaps, it is certain that additional funding from state and federal governments is needed as well as reviewing how state and federal governments plan and allocate funds to support aquatic facility developments to ensure equitable and universal access.

Finally, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia will plan and deliver an aquatic infrastructure symposium to bring together the aquatic sector, planners and governments to facilitate a common understanding of the situation and explore new approaches and opportunities for the continued provision of publicly accessible aquatic facilities in Australia. RJ Houston is the National Manager - Aquatics at Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. The full report is available from Royal Life Saving.

Waterplay’s release of 18 new Splash Pad products is its biggest in years

Hitting the global market with their biggest product launch in years, Waterplay has introduced 18 new splash pad products, ranging from towering, multi-leg characters to quirky discoverystyled splash pad essentials, as well as the Sling Soaker - a new favourite dumping bucket.

Centrepiece of the new line is The Titans, a competitivelypriced and easy to install feature with multiple points of play.

Introducing the feature, Waterplay Product Manager, Kyle Luciw explains “the idea here was to offer a large structure that was easy for the installer, cost effective for the owner, and extremely playful.

“The Titans could effectively be the only feature for the entire splash pad - they’re that big and there’s that many play opportunities with dumping buckets, splashers and sprays.”

Having last year reimagined its popular Cirque Collection - a line of splash pad products that encourage discovery, physical movement and imagination during play - the range now focuses on the acrobatics of water and the opportunities for total focus and immersion during play. Contact Waterplay Solutions Corp on 1800 180 955, E: info@waterplay.com, www.waterplay.com Contact Waterplay’s Australian agent Parkequip on 02 9725 5604, E: info@parkequip.com.au, www.parkequip.com.au

Polytan Asia Pacific restores Arafura Stadium running track

Polytan Asia Pacific has delivered a $2.6 million renovation to the Northern Territory’s Arafura Stadium running track - restoring the track to its former glory and readying the Territory for upcoming opportunities for national and international events.

The resurfacing saw the existing track removed, the bottom layer of bitumen scraped back, new bitumen laid and a stateof-the-art Rekortan M surface laid on top.

The restoration sees the Northern Territory now having a ‘class 2 World Athletics Certified Facility’ which is one step below the mega-stadium at Sydney Olympic Park. Contact 1800 663 812, E: enquiry@polytan.com.au, www.polytan.com.au

$3.2 million Kununurra Water Playground officially opens

A new 500 metre² aquatic play space featuring zones for different age groups from toddlers to teenagers, with a range of waterslides for all ages, water cannon, tipping buckets, a splash pad and a water spray area has been opened at Kununurra in Western Australia.

The first stage of a redevelopment of the Kununurra Leisure Centre, the $3.2 million Kununurra Water Playground was fully funded by the Western Australian Government through its WA Recovery Plan.

Within a 2000 metre², the wet play area features bespoke play items including a 4.2 metre spraying Boab tree, 4 metre Estuarine crocodile and dozens of other features designed and manufactured by Western Australian-based company Water Features by Design.

For safety, the 700 metre² surface beneath the play equipment comes from Life Floor and represents one of the company’s largest installations.

Featuring six different colours, the tiles have been made to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of Northern Australia and come with a five-year warranty.

Installation was undertaken by Grassports Australia (QLD)

Commenting on the project, Grant Burgess, Managing Director, Life Floor Australia & NZ, stated “this is our first large scale installation in the north of WA and we’re confident the unique features of Life Floor - comfort, slip resistance, UV stability and durability will see the surface stand up to the environment and be enjoyed by the community.”

Opening just in time for the upcoming Kimberley wet season, the Water Playground is already popular with the 5,500 residents of Kununurra as well as visitors. Contact 0459 169 769, E: info@lifefloor.com.au, www.lifefloor.com.au

New sport equipment recycling scheme looks to collaborate with sport and recreation facilities

A new sports equipment recycling scheme has been launched - Game On Recycling - which aims to prevent sports equipment entering landfill and alleviate waste stream barriers through a range of collection partnerships.

The scheme is being piloted in several venues, including the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Parkville State Hockey and Netball Centre.

The pilot sports equipment product stewardship scheme is co-funded by the Australian Government’s National Product Stewardship Investment Fund, Australia New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) and Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Technogym introduces the first indoor bike connected to most popular cycling apps

Technogym has introduced the Technogym Ride - a 22-inch screen bike designed with Cycling Champions - to give riders the ultimate virtual roadside cycle experience.

Users can connect with a single log-in to their favourite apps and access an unprecedented variety of routes and training programmes.

The Technogym Ride includes advanced biomechanics to replicate real-world routes and inclines. Technogym ride is adjustable for riders of all sizes and experience levels offering: •A V-shaped frame structure to suit most sizes •Fully customisable with adjustable pedal cranks and ‘Fast

Buttons’ to help riders navigate various training modes of constant power, incline and FTP percentages •Equipped with a real gear box and fast reaction time of 0 to 1000 watts within half a second

Through a single login with no set up hassles, the bike is the first of its kind to offer easy access to cyclists’ most loved apps Zwift, Strava, ROUVY, TrainingPeaks, Kinomap and Bkool, along with entertainment apps Eurosport and Netflix.

Developed by the Technogym Research Center, the bike also offers Technogym Neuromuscular Training (TNT) programs to target metabolic and neuromuscular development. Contact 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com

Wavegarden introduces first bespoke water treatment system for artificial surfing lagoons

Wavegarden’s team of specialist engineers has pioneered the first bespoke water treatment system that has been 100% designed, built and tested for artificial surfing lagoons.

The system was developed at the company´s Research and Development (R&D) centre in Northern Spain and has been implemented and proven at four commercial facilities across the globe including The Wave Bristol (England), Praia da Grama (Brazil), Wave Park (South Korea) and Alaïa Bay in Switzerland.

The fluid dynamics research carried out on currents has maximised efficiency to the point where 100% of the water volume can be sanitised in less than one hour. Further, Wavegarden has proprietary protocols to create an environment free of amoeba and pathogenic microorganisms.

The state-of-the-art system is incorporated in Wavegarden´s technology package for all installations and Wavegarden notes “as surfers will testify it delivers fresh water that is safe and crystal - clear with a remarkable level of visibility.” Contact +34 943 041 018, E: sales@wavegarden.com, www.wavegarden.com

Mindarie Park sees rise in visits by children including those with disabilities

Parkequip, the designers of the inclusive Mindarie Park All Abilities Playground, undertaken for Lane Cove Council, have advised of the increased usage of this popular playground since its opening three and a half years ago.

Mindarie Reserve is an All Abilities Playground which was developed for the Council by Parkequip and Parkequip’s equipment manufacturers Landscape Structures.

Originally six residential properties that Council acquired through a rezoning process, the area is now a multi-generational park that caters for a wide range of users with its all-access playground, pathway network, multi-use games arena, seating options, teen ropes hangout course and open expanse of lawn.

The project attracted great interest during its development as it was a one of a kind inclusive playspace in the area with a Nature Theme that aligns with the Everyone Can Play guidelines to cater for all children and their carers.

This nature-inspired, inclusive playground engages children and their families along the ramps and walkways with tactile, visual and auditory-stimulating panels, slides, play components and our popular Inclusive Sway Fun Glider with ample room for two wheelchairs plus two large benches for carers and others. The fenced playspace includes a range of swings, natural-looking play materials and equipment that is suitable for people of all abilities to enjoy. Also on-site are new BBQ facilities, toilets and seniors fitness equipment. The project was made possible following $1 million in funding from the NSW Department of Planning and a further $800,000 in Council contributions

Children of all abilities can enjoy the highly textured, natureinspired events where kids can crawl through, climb on both the outside and insides of the rock panels as well as find lifelike frogs, mice, bats and insects sculptured into the rock faces.

The project was funded by the NSW Government in association with Lane Cove Council. Contact Parkequip on 02 9725 5604, E: info@parkequip.com.au, www.parkequip.com.au

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Lake Macquarie Swim Centres go live with Envibe

Lake Macquarie City Council has launched a new website for its swim centres, powered by Envibe’s Swim school software.

Offering increased functionality for customers by enabling them to create personal accounts for bookings and other activities, the My Swim customer portal offers new features for customers including: -Updating contact information -Sign-up options to be notified of swim centre closures and aqua fitness class cancellations -Purchasing multi-visit passes for pool entry and group fitness -Searching for purchase history and the number of visits left on passes -Scheduling free Learn to Swim assessments -Confirmation and payment for each Learn to Swim reenrolment -Viewing records about progress and levels of Learn to Swim programs once competency has been reached. In addition, customers can easily create their new account via the new website. Contact 02 9906 7522, E: info@jonasleisure.com.au, www.jonasleisure.com.au

Sportradar launches capture solution for live fielding data at Cricket World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has partnered with leading global sports technology company, Sportradar to provide live fielding data at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Capturing the data an innovative cricket collection tool developed by Sportradar, the technology will help to bring cricket fans closer to the global sport through a higher level of engagement and understanding of the third discipline of cricket as the match happens. The first in the world to collect and code comprehensive fielding data and standard batting and bowling statistics, the product captures up to 80 data points per ball bowled and at the lowest latency in market. The data will be used to power ICC’s fan-facing website and official mobile application.

In addition, the data can be provided via bespoke feeds to media outlets and broadcasters globally to help shape and broaden live commentary with deeper insights. Contact Sportradar via www.sportradar.com

Advertisers Index

Advertiser Page No.

Active World 31

AMPSEA Conference 43

APT 27

AUSTSWIM 57

Axess 21

Business France 9

Geelong Cricket Club EOI 11

HIB Insurance 21

Hydrocare Pools 62

Jonas Leisure/Envibe 34 & 35

Life Floor 18 & 19

Myrtha Pools 15

Otium Planning Group 13

ParkEquip 25

Perfect Gym 2 & 3

ProSlide Technology 59

Quayclean 33

SERCO 47

SLE Worldwide 7

Supreme Heating 68

Swimplex Aquatics 23

Technogym 37

TNW Australia 15

Viva Leisure/Plus Fitness 5

VMA Venue Jobs 67

ZeoMed 33

EngageRM partners with Brisbane Broncos to enhance the club’s hospitality and sales experience

Melbourne-based sports and entertainment business technology services provider EngageRM has struck a three-year partnership with National Rugby League (NRL) club, Brisbane Broncos. The three-year deal will transform the Broncos’ digital offering to provide a best in class premium sales, hospitality and partnership experience for both fans and corporate partners of the club. This partnership expands EngageRM’s presence in both Queensland and the NRL, with the Broncos becoming the fourth NRL team to partner with the company.

Through the state-of-the-art EngageRM system, the Broncos can now combine operations, fulfilment and sales management across the organisation within a centralised, single platform that is powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Broncos Executive Manager Corporate Partnerships and Sales Dan Glass enthused “we’re thrilled to partner with EngageRM, an organisation who are constantly pushing the boundaries in their field, to transform our corporate and commercial offerings.

“We are looking forward to working with the EngageRM team to continually improve our systems and processes to push the boundaries and connect with our passionate fan base on a new level.”

EngageRM provides a single technology platform for CRM, data and analytics to drive engagement, revenue and profitability in sports and entertainment. The innovative technology, built on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, utilises artificial intelligence, machine learning, voice recognition and various datapoints to give clients a deeper understanding of their customers. Contact 1300 885 279, www.engagerm.com

Fluidra backs Royal Life Saving WA’s Swim and Survive program

Royal Life Saving WA has announced that Fluidra, the leading manufacturer and supplier of swimming pool and spa equipment, is to fund 120 Swim and Survive program participants in regional and metro areas in Western Australia. Aiming to reduce drowning statistics in at-risk communities, the two organisations have signed a twoyear funding agreement which has already seen Royal Life Saving deliver swimming and water safety lessons to 20 Aboriginal children from the regional town of Roebourne at the local Wickham swimming pool in the city of Karratha.

Delivered during the October school holidays to students from the Yaandina Youth Centre and Roebourne Remote School Attendance Strategy, the sessions were undertaken by program partner Real Employment For Aboriginal People.

With Aboriginal children drowning at almost double the rate of non-Aboriginal children in Western Australia, Royal Life Saving WA Chief Executive, Peter Leaversuch, says these programs are crucial as we work to prevent drowning in at-risk areas, stating “Royal Life Saving is proud of the new partnership with Fluidra to ensure more West Australian children receive vital Swim and Survive skills.”

Fluidra Marketing Director, Jonas Ryberg noted “the Swim and Survive program aims to provide swimming and water safety lessons to kids who would otherwise not have access to these valuable skills.

“It is exactly the sort of initiative Fluidra aims to support via the Social aspect of it’s ESG plan.

“In a nation surrounded by water with one of the world’s highest levels of pool ownership per capita, we feel it is our obligation to help as many people as possible become competent swimmers.” Contact 1300 763 021, E: au-commercial@fluidra.com, www.fluidra.com/brands