Why South Australia’s council-owned pools are making a splash this summer
As the weather warms and summer draws closer, South Australians are preparing to dive into one of the state’s favourite ways of cooling off – a visit to their local pool.
From early childhood swimming lessons to adult fitness regimes and even weekend barbecues or relaxing poolside, South Australia’s aquatic and recreation centres have long been at the heart of local communities for many years.
There are dozens of council-run swimming centres across SA – including this latest state-of-the-art offering from Mount Barker to service their growing community.
Beyond offering a place to escape the rising temperatures, these spaces bring people together, promote active lifestyles and provide accessible recreation.
Making waves in the community
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Local councils play a key role in maintaining and upgrading community recreation centres. Over the past five years, councils have collectively invested millions into modern, sustainable centres that reflect the evolving needs of their communities.
While each of these projects may look a little different, they share one common goal – to create inclusive spaces that bring people together and strengthen community life.
“Our aquatic centres are evolving past being just recreation spots,” Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach said. “They’ve become true community hubs – encouraging physical activity and water safety for children, providing rehabilitation and wellbeing programs for our older generation and those with disabilities, and fostering social connection.”
Councils are also embracing innovation, with new and upgraded facilities increasingly focused on energy-smart, sustainable infrastructure. Once complete, the Noarlunga centre will operate on energy-smart systems designed to cut emissions.
Pools and recreation centres are also sparking new life in regional communities.
Since its opening in August, the Mount Barker Council’s aquatic and leisure facility has cemented its place as a well-loved space, attracting strong membership and swim school enrolments and supporting a community projected to grow by more than 40 per cent by 2036.
Purpose-built to serve current and future generations, this centre is among many that highlight the importance of well-planned infrastructure that evolves alongside South Australia’s expanding regional communities.
South Australia’s new and improved recreation centres
- The new state-of-the-art Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Mount Barker is the centrepiece of the community’s growing recreation precinct. The $52 million sustainably designed facility features three indoor pools, multiple community meeting rooms, fitness spaces and a cafe.
- Salisbury Aquatic Centre in Adelaide’s North has quickly become a local favourite after opening in September. The centre is a modern, family-friendly space complete with indoor leisure and lap pools, water slides and accessible amenities.
- Following an upgrade to its outdoor pool, the much-loved Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre has reopened its doors to the Mid North community, unveiling a refreshed facility that combines modern infrastructure with improved water quality, safety and efficiency.
- Regional South Australia is also benefitting from council investment, with the Whyalla Recreation Centre recently undergoing a major refresh with upgraded amenities, upgraded filtration systems and new energy-efficient measures, ensuring the facility continues to serve the community for years to come.
- Since its opening in 2022, the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has become a cornerstone for the Mount Gambier community and one of the region’s most versatile recreational spaces. Its indoor aquatic complex boasts a 50m outdoor pool, a 25m lap pool, a splash pad for children, and warm water pools for therapeutic and special needs groups.
- Shaped by community feedback, the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre redevelopment is set to transform a beloved community facility into an aquatic hub with a 50m pool, children’s play zone, shade shelters, picnic seating and barbecues.
- In the City of Onkaparinga, Noarlunga Aquatic Centre is undergoing a significant upgrade, due for completion in 2026. The redevelopment will modernise facilities, improve accessibility and introduce sustainable energy systems to better service the growing coastal community.
For more information on how councils help maintain recreation spaces and facilities across South Australia, visit here.
This article was brought to you by InDaily and LGA South Australia.
