Council to open gyms and indoor pools

Blue Mountains City Council will reopen Katoomba and Springwood gyms this Saturday, with indoor swimming pools to follow in the coming weeks. 

From Saturday 13 June, gyms at Springwood and Katoomba Leisure Centres will reopen and group fitness classes will resume. Swimmers are looking forward to getting back in the water, with Springwood pool opening from Monday 15 June, and Katoomba from 22 June. The later opening of Katoomba pool is to allow for the retiling of the pool to be completed, an upgrade which commenced during the COVID-19 closure period. 

The initial reopening of the pools will offer lap swimming in the 25m indoor pools, accommodating one swimmer per lane. The sauna and spa will also be open for one guest at a time. At this stage, aqua aerobics and learn to swim classes remain suspended. 

The gyms will reopen with a changed layout, with machines spaced to maintain social distancing. The gyms can accommodate 15 people at a time at each site, and group fitness classes will be capped at 10 participants. 

Guest numbers are limited to maintain social distancing and comply with Public Health Orders, which stipulate a maximum number of people in any facility based on the area under the ‘four square metre’ rule. 

Council is working to minimise any health risks, with additional staff carrying out frequent, thorough cleaning of the premises and hand sanitiser throughout the building. While the change rooms are available, at this stage the showers are closed. 

“I’m pleased that we’re reopening these Leisure Centres to our community,” said Mayor, Mark Greenhill. 

“Exercise is a great way to maintain your mental health and wellness, both of which are key factors in resilience. At a time like this, our community needs to be more resilient that ever. I encourage you to make use of the Leisure Centres, whether you are unwinding or working to meet fitness goals.”

Visitors are asked not to congregate when leaving the Centre and, to minimise the number of users at any time, spectators are not allowed in the facility. 

Bookings are essential and must be made before visiting the Centres by calling Springwood on 4723 5111 or Katoomba Centre on 4780 5156. Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on Blue Mountains Leisure Centres, visit bmcc.nsw.gov.au/LeisureCentres