NEXT week’s burst of warmer weather will coincide with the reopening of the Gawler Aquatic Centre for its 58th season.

A special ‘opening day’ event, featuring free activities for the public, will be held this Saturday to coincide with the opening of recently upgraded facilities.

The upgrades include refurbishment to the outdated changerooms, family changeroom, disability compliant access facilities, a new first aid room and storage shed, updated multi-function room along with a new colourful and eye catching entrance.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said she is thrilled and excited to share the modern upgrades with the community.

“The Gawler Aquatic Centre continues to be a popular venue for swimming lessons, carnivals, birthday parties, squad, lap and recreational swimming,” she said.

“With funding support from the Australian Government, Council has been able to invest in a range of contemporary upgrades to this vital community facility, ensuring that it is accessible for all.”

Gawler chief executive Henry Inat said the total project budget for the Gawler Aquatic Centre upgrades, including design, project management and construction contingency came in at $942,500.

“The project has been greatly assisted by $409,445 in funding from Sport Australia’s Community Sport and Infrastructure Program, making council’s contribution $533,055,” he said.

“These upgrades complement council’s significant capital investment over the past five seasons to the much loved community pool.”

Saturday’s event will see the centre open from 10am to 4pm, and will include giveaways, program information, face painting, coffee and a barbecue hosted by Rotary Club of Gawler.

All preparations for day will be in line with current COVID Safe practices and the public will be asked to register on Eventbrite or at the door for contact tracing purposes.

Meanwhile, the centre’s Learn to Swim Program ‘AUSTSWIM’, will commence in line with the school’s fourth term.

The Learn to Swim Program offers lessons seven days a week, weekdays from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and weekends from 8am to 12pm, as well as infant and pre-school classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9am to 10.30am.

Families are able to claim up to $100 worth of lessons per primary school-aged child, under the Sports Voucher program.