After almost a decade of planning, construction of Stromlo's $36.6 million leisure centre has dived into action.
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On Thursday, Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry turned the first sod for the facility at Stromlo Forest Park, saying it would one day service more than 100,000 people in Weston Creek, Woden and the Molonglo Valley.
It would include a 50-metre lap and competition pool, a program pool for activities like swimming lessons and aqua aerobics, a reception, kiosk, administration offices and change rooms.
In late 2016 and early 2017, the community was asked to share their thoughts on what facilities the new pool should have.
"After extensive consultation with the community, the government has allocated an additional $3.6 million funding for a gym, leisure pool, toddlers’ pool, splash park, crèche and more seating throughout the centre to ensure the facility meets the needs of this growing area," Ms Berry said.
"Facilities like this are so important for bringing active communities together, especially in an area like this with lots of young families."
Ms Berry said a splash park and gym were among the most popular requests.
The gym will be at least 700 square metres, with cardio equipment, pin-loaded weights, functional training, free weights, as well as a group fitness studio. The gym area will also have its own dry change rooms - male, female and unisex.
As well as the eight-lane lap pool, the leisure pool will be more than 200 square metes in size and include a toddlers pool.
Ms Berry said the centre would be an important asset for the growing Weston Creek and Molonglo communities and a welcome addition to the other ACT government’s aquatic facilities in Dickson, Manuka, Civic, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.
The construction of the pool is to be the beginning of Stromlo Forest Park's evolution into a vibrant sport and recreation precinct.
Construction will begin at the end of September and is expected to be complete in early 2020.
