Geraldton Aquarena one step closer to reopening, filled with water after nearly two years out of action

It has been two years since the Geraldton Aquarena’s 50m outdoor pool was last used, but it’s now a step closer to finally reopening with it being filled with water this week.

The 50-year-old pool came to the end of its lifespan in September 2021, with plans to refurbish it immediately.

However, at the start of 2022 works were suspended when cyclone Charlotte caused significant damage. The project was about 70 per cent complete at that stage.

A significant amount of storm water entered the excavation around the repaired pool shell which caused the pool to float. When the water subsided and the pool settled, cracking to the concrete floor occurred.

The City of Greater Geraldton proceeded with the repair before insurance claims had been settled and in November last year began reparations so the outdoor pool could return to service as soon as possible.

After a lengthy process, the City celebrated a milestone when the pool was filled with water on Monday.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said there were still a handful of tests to be completed.

A spokesperson for the City confirmed the pool was on course to be opened at the start of October.

The imminent reopening comes as Geraldton Aquarena has been named a finalist in the WA Disabled Sports Association’s Community Service Provider Award.

The accolade recognises the council’s achievement in enhancing accession and inclusion at the facility over the past 12 months, including the trial of a “Qie

Mayor Shane Van Styn said being named as a finalist was testament to the City’s commitment to enhancing access across the region.

“Geraldton Aquarena has long been a popular mainstay for locals and ensuring that it is as accessible as possible to our community remains one of the City’s top priorities,” he said.

“The Aquarena has developed a number of specific initiatives including the trial of ‘Quiet Hour’, Splash inclusive aquarobics classes, installation of specialised equipment as well as a ramp to allow for better access to the pools. These additions are all part of the broader objective of implementing the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2019-2023.

“We are proud to see that the focus and efforts to produce real change have not only resulted in recognition by WADSA but most importantly more people being able to enjoy our facilities.”

Splash inclusive aquarobics classes are delivered in the Aquarena’s hydrotherapy pool by instructors who create a welcoming, supportive and fun environment encouraging the participants to reach their full potential.

The soon to be completed upgrade works to the outdoor pool feature a 25metre long wheelchair ramp opening up the facility to more people than ever before.

The WADSA awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday 26 September 2023.

The City’s DAIP seeks to develop and improve access to services, facilities, programs as well as events is currently being updated following extensive community consultation.

The City announced summer opening hours for the Foreshore Waterpark, which will reopen on Saturday between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week.

During summer, the Aquarena, including the outdoor pool, will be open between 6am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sunday.