Make a splash at our aquatic centres this summer!

   When the mercury rises, the thought of a refreshing dip at one of Central Highlands’ seven aquatic centres gets many residents through a sweaty day. 

All aquatic centres are now open for the summer period and opening hours can be found on council’s website: http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/sport-rec/aquatic-centres/. 

Council’s General Manager Communities, John McDougall said the community is fortunate to have access to such great facilities.  

‘Access to quality aquatic facilities is so important in our climate and our centres really do offer something for all ages – with swimming lessons from infants to adults, swimming clubs and our ever-popular water slides and play areas. 

‘Our facilities include the $14.7 million Blackwater Aquatic Centre which was completed in 2017 as well as three other centres with Olympic-sized pools’ he said.   

Dave Greaves and Tracy Spreadborough are lessees of both the Emerald Aquatic Centre and the Sapphire Aquatic Centre and run their own swim school.  

Tracy said Emerald Aquatic Centre’s waterslides and its splash pad, which features a tipping bucket, are firm favourites among pool goers. 

‘Visitors from all over Australia comment on how great the complex looks and how the spectacular the facility is and how lucky our community is to have it’. 

Tracy said many people take advantage of the covered barbecue facilities to host self-catered birthday parties. 

Learn to swim classes are offered for all ages at the Emerald facility– from babies as young as five months old right through to stroke correct classes. 

The Emerald Seals Swim Club operates out of the complex – training most mornings and afternoons and hold a club night every Tuesday during term 1 and 4 of the school year.  

Capella Aquatic Centre lease holder Cassee Evans said the centre has something for everyone – even if they don’t enjoy the water – with a water slide, free bbqs, a playground, squash court and gym among the facilities. 

The centre offers a range of fitness classes including Crossfit and Adult SwimFit classes, a learn to swim program and a squad program.   

Cassee gets a lot of satisfaction from her role as lease holder. 

‘I love meeting all the new people and travellers that come through this very transient town. I also love watching my infant swimmers grow into big kid swimmers and I am so proud to be part of their development’ Cassee said.  

Facility manager at Springsure Aquatic Centre, Melissa Hunter, said that the facility’s 25-metre six lane pool and wading pool are very popular with locals, as is the kiosk and café which serves lunch.  

The centre offers kids and adults learn-to-swim classes and has squad swim training at the facility five days per week. 

Aquatic Centre Fast Facts:

Blackwater Aquatic Centre 

Features include:  

50m unheated Olympic standard pool  25m heated pool  Covered ‘splash pad’ play area.  Function Room that can be hired through the Blackwater CHRC Office   Covered Seating areas 

Emerald Aquatic Centre 

Features include: 

50m unheated Olympic standard pool  25m heated pool   Covered ‘splash pad’ play area  Waterslides  Undercover BBQs  Undercover sitting area 

Springsure Aquatic Centre 

Features include: 

25m six-lane pool  Wading pool  Undercover sitting area 

 Sapphire Aquatic Centre 

Features include:  

12m by 4m pool  4m by 4m toddler pool  Undercover sitting area 

 Capella Aquatic Centre 

Features include:  

Olympic standard 50m pool  25m pool   Learners pool  Baby pool  Waterslide and plunge pool  Sheltered Bbqs  Gym  Squash court  Playground 

 Tieri Aquatic Centre 

Features include: 

Olympic Size Swimming Pool  Shallow Wading Pool 

Rolleston Aquatic Centre 

Features include: 

15m pool  2.5m x 2.5m wading pool  Undercover sitting area