FAQs

The outdoor pools at Aquarena were first built in 1969 and despite regular maintenance are now at the end of their asset life. Over time we’ve seen the needs of users change and have added in other outdoor features such as barbeques, water slides, shade shelters and a small water play area. With all original pools now reaching the end of asset life, we want to ensure we have a clear plan for any future development, ensuring the community can enjoy the space for many years to come.

The proposed splashpad is double the size of the current water play area and will not fit into the current location.  The proposed design will include a range of play zones and exciting interactive water play features that are safe for children of varied ages whilst remaining close to all other outdoor amenities.

Our current cafe does not offer direct access from inside the main building and the outdoor area. This is an important feature to users of Aquarena and key to our proposed design. The proposed new cafe will  have more seating, an improved kitchen and meal preparation area and a new deck with a clear outlook across the outdoor area. By relocating the cafe we will be able to build a new water play zone in its current location, whilst ensuring the outdoor cafe seating maintains an orientation toward the rest of the outdoor facilities.

The current toddler pool was built in 1969 and is cold water only. Due to its age, it has reached the end of its asset life and we’re proposing to be replace it with a heated ‘quiet’ 25-meter pool with 4 or 5 lanes. The proposed pool would allow for specialised programs to be conducted and provide a space away from the main area for users to retreat to.  We also know younger children now love to use water play areas. The proposed water play area near the main building will provide a fun and interactive aquatic play experience for children.

We’ve seen a massive increase in demand to use this space for swimming events, school carnivals and general patron relaxation. The proposed expanded tiered seating will allow for more people to enjoy this area with much better sun protection. Over 50 percent of this seating will be protected from the sun with new improved shade sails. Grassed areas will remain adjacent on the slope and in other parts of the outdoor area.

We’re proposing to remove the diving pool, constructed in 1969, due to its end-of-life condition, low usage rates and the utility cost to operate.  In addition, there are now changes to competitive diving requirements and industry safety regulations that limit usage in diving pools.  It is proposed that the location of the current diving pool would be used to house new pool plant equipment, with decking on top to host seating/lounge furniture, as well as increased space for swim club and school carnival marshalling. The proposed design of this space would mean that it can be used by a larger number of people all year round.

We’re proposing to install a new communal change room space and four new accessible toilet cubicles (two male and two female) at the rear of the proposed decked area (current diving pool location).  This will provide amenities at both ends of the 50m pool and cater for an increase in general usage of the outdoor area.

The 50-metre pool, constructed in 1969, is scheduled to be replaced in 2024 to 2026 as part of a separate project. This project has already been factored into our Capital Works program as a crucial infrastructure upgrade.  The pool will be upgraded in line with requirements for swim meets, school carnival usage, accessibility requirements and programming needs.

Once we’ve reviewed community feedback, we will develop a final masterplan to be endorsed by Council. Projects from that masterplan will then be scheduled according to priorities and budgets for each item. Our aim is to reduce disruption to the outdoor area as much as possible and we will look to complete any work we can while the outdoor area is closed for the redevelopment of the 50m pool.

Council has a well-publicised charter of responsibilities to support our local Manningham community.  The provision of quality facilities to enhance community health and well-being is critical to the core strategic vision of Council.  There are more than 700,000 visitors per annum to Aquarena with a diverse range of demographics represented enjoying a range of quality facilities, services and programs.  This master plan will provide recreational and leisure opportunities for the Manningham community to benefit from for the next 20+ years.