Sans Souci Leisure Centre’s newly refurbished 50m swimming pool and toddler pool were officially re-opened by Georges River Council mayor Kevin Greene, at a grand opening on Saturday, Novemver 17.
The refurbishments have seen both pools undergo numerous works during winter, including structural concrete repair, joint repair to existing concrete slabs, re-waterproofing and new tiling.
Through the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, a total of $1 million in funding was allocated to Georges River Council’s Aquatic Facilities Refurbishment Program for the upgrade.
The 50-metre pool has been recently re-tiled and has a new filtration system and heating system and new FINA compliant diving blocks.
San Souci Leisure Centre general manager Sheryl Fenn said the pool will take the swimmers through to the next generation.
“The big plus from the upgrade is the new amenities block which has push button outdoor showers as well as indoor showers,” Sheryl said.
“There are also two multipurpose changing rooms which are wheelchair accessible or can be used as a parents changing room and has a baby changing table.
“There is a new plant room for the more efficient running of the pool.
“And the toddlers pool has been completely re-tiled and is heated.”
As well as the upgraded facilities, all the leisure centre’s popular features are back for summer.
The leisure centre has held learn to swim classes for more than five years.
In 2018 it was re-branded as a Swim Academy and introduced new levels of swimming proficiency, basically to encourage the training progress of swimmers.
“Swimmers can start as young as six months and go all the way up to be a Gold Squad member, training with Olympian Craig Stevens,” Sheryl said.
“Swimming lessons had held in the 25-metre indoor pool which overlooks the Georges River and has a large viewing area for parents to watch their children learn to swim.
“To make it easy for families, the leisure centre gives parents the option of direct debit which alleviates the need for them to pay upfront for lessons.
“We have also introduced a portal for parents to check on their children’s progress. Children progress from infants, called Starfish and Squids categories, through preschool and primary school levels, all the way up to Gold Squad, the to of the Swim Academy.”
Next to the Olympic pool is the gym equipped with cardio, weights, treadmill , rowing machines and pin-loaded machines.
“This is more of a family gym where you don’t have to fight to get to the equipment,” Sheryl said.
Next door to the gym, the centre has the F45 Training for people who want to progress further in their fitness and which is available for all ages.
The centre has 60 staff, both part-time and full-time.
“What I like about the leisure centre is that it gives local employment for people who want to get involved in the aquatic industry,” Sheryl said.
“The leisure centre fulfils a social as well as fitness role.
“This can be seen in our Legends group, a group of swimmers in their 70s and older who have been coming here for decades and meet to keep fit and also for a coffee and a chat after their swim,” she said.
“We have named our Cafe Lane 8 after them. This is because after swimming in one of the Olympic pool’s seven lanes, they all meet up at the cafe for a chat. Cafe Lane 8 is where much of their socialising after swimming happens.”
“The Sans Souci Leisure Centre also is also home to the long-running Sea Devils Swim Club.
“The Sea Devils is a family-friendly club run by committed volunteers which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where all swimmers, regardless of ability are encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Sheryl said the centre is now fully up and running and ready to welcome people for summer.
“If people get a chance to get out with the family bring them here rather than the movies,” she said.
“The movies can cost a small mortgage for a family. Where a visit here is al all-day experience.”
The Sans Souci Leisure Centre is open 5am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 6pm weekends.
