Million-dollar upgrade for Recquatic

The City of Kwinana has splashed out in its 2013-14 budget allocating more than $1 million to upgrading Kwinana Recquatic centre.

The recreation centre, which was re-built in 2002 at a cost of $5.5 million, is set to receive a number of behind-the-scenes upgrades and an extension of the aquatics plant rooms in the main pool hall and hydrotherapy pool.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said residents highlighted a need for improvements in a survey and the changes would allow the community to continue to enjoy the facility.

“As the main recreation centre in Kwinana, council chose to allocate funds to the Kwinana Recquatic to ensure the centre continues to meet community expectations,” she said.

The council has allocated $1.5 million towards the upgrades on top of $2 million put aside in last year’s budget.

Cr Adams said residents could look forward to refurbished pool change rooms and replacement filters, pumps and air handling systems.

The centre’s health and fitness area will also be refurbished with new carpet in the group fitness room and upgrades to the spin room and air-conditioning in the gym.

Long-time Recquatic customer service officer Cheryl Bell, who has watched the centre transform since starting at the Kwinana Recreation Centre 18 years ago, said upgrades were always positive for the community.

“Everything that is happening in Kwinana is fantastic, we can only go forward, with the new Marketplace, Dome and the Recquatic,” she said.

“I always get positive feedback, and with a health and fitness centre like ours, and so many new people moving to Kwinana, they are signing up which is great.”

With up to 4000 people using the centre on a weekly basis, Mrs Bell said it was fantastic to see residents’ health improve.

“I love the patrons, you get to know them on a personal level,” she said.

“You see how far they have come in their weight loss and fitness, and they are so thankful to us.”