New sports and aquatic centre makes a splash

Since opening in December 2008, the number of people attending the new Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove has exceeded expectations.

Through the Community Facility Funding Program, the Victorian Government provided $2.5 million towards the popular new facility, which now has a membership of more than 1300 active participants.

In addition to growing memberships, the Centre’s Learn to Swim Program has attracted more than 4500 participants to date, 50 per cent of which had never previously participated in this type of program.

Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre manager Sally Aitken said there’s no doubt the Bellarine community is right behind the Centre with more than 136,500 recreational swim visits, over 13,500 aqua aerobics visits with an average class size of up to 50 participants, 108 parties involving 1200 kids and learn-to-swim enrolments over 1300 each term.

The $8 million Centre features an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool with disabled ramp access, a program pool space for learn-to-swim lessons, toddlers’ pool, water adventure playground for young children, cafe and an outdoor recreation area. Facilities like these bring water fun and fitness programs to all ages and abilities.

By providing quality sport and recreation facilities, the Community Facility Funding Program is offering Victorians more opportunities to get active and involved in their communities. Since 2000, the Victorian Government has invested more than $197 million through the Community Facility Funding Program towards more than 2100 community facility projects.

Read more about the Community Facility Funding Program – Major Facilities