Pool news makes a huge splash
Plans are in the pipeline to upgrade the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre.
The exciting news has been welcomed by everyone, from aspiring Olympic champions to recreational swimmers.
While construction is still a way off, designing the new pool and surrounding precinct is part of the $15 million Dauth Park master plan upgrades.
The Beenleigh pool was opened in pre-metric September 1964.
It is 33-and-a-third yards long and was built that way so three lengths would be the equivalent of the then Olympic 100-yard race. It is unsuitable for official competition today.
The existing pool is named after Olympic backstroker and surf ironman champion, the late Robbie May.
Councillor Karen Murphy, who strongly advocated for an Olympic-sized pool in Beenleigh, says the facility would be used by local schools and swimming clubs to hold competition that could lead to state and national championships.
“I can’t wait to see the detailed design of the new facility and for shovels to go in the ground.”
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It could also be a possible training venue for the 2032 Olympic Games in South East Queensland.
“The Beenleigh pool is well overdue for an upgrade as it no longer meets the needs of our growing community or modern swimming standards,” Cr Murphy says.
“I can’t wait to see the detaile ddesign of the new facility and for shovels to go in the ground.”
The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, in City Road, includes a heated indoor pool that is used for year-round learn-to-swim lessons. It also has an outdoor water play area.
It was one of the first aquatic facilities in the country to be fitted with a specialised “changing places” room for swimmers with disabilities and has a hoist to lift water-use wheelchairs into the indoor pool.
