A new $36.6. million pool planned for Canberra's west will now include a splash park and gym because of overwhelming community feedback, ACT sport and recreation minister Yvette Berry says.
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Patrons of the Stromlo Leisure Centre will also enjoy a 50-metre lap pool and a leisure pool when it opens in 2020.
The indoor aquatic centre is set to serve around 70,000 people in Weston Creek, Woden and the growing Molonglo Valley.
In late 2016 and early 2017, the community was asked to share their thoughts on what facilities the new pool should have.
The splash park and gym were among the most popular requests, Ms Berry said.
"It's great that the community have been so engaged with the process and the government has been able to respond to the feedback with these additional facilities," Ms Berry said.
"Having spoken to future users of the facilities such as Triathlon ACT, and factoring in the 705 online submissions, I'm confident this pool will now be an important asset for the Canberra community."
Construction is now scheduled to begin in mid-2018.
As well as the eight-laned lap pool, the leisure pool will be more than 200 square metes in size and include a toddlers pool.
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.
The construction of the pool is to be the beginning of Stromlo Forest Park's evolution into a vibrant sport and recreation precinct.
The government is set to begin feasibility planning to build accommodation in the park for interstate visitors who come to Canberra for events there, Ms Berry said.
A cycling track and sporting ovals are also "long-term funding considerations", she said.
"The creation of the Stromlo Leisure Centre is part of the Stromlo Forest Park Master Plan – which is already seeing this beautiful part of Canberra become a thriving sport and recreation precinct," Ms Berry said.
"Stromlo Forest Park boasts world-class mountain bike trails, a criterium circuit, running track, equestrian trails, spectator stands and parts of the container village that have been relocated from West Basin."
