As the redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre nears practical completion, a major milestone has been reached with the commissioning of the facility’s landmark 14-metre-tall waterslide tower and dual waterslides.
This achievement signals the final stages of a three-year construction collaboration between the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and construction partner, BADGE.
“Delivering a facility of this scale is no easy feat but collaboration between the Council, BADGE and other project partners has been second to none, to ensure that our community inherits an aquatic centre that stands the test of time,” says Mayor Robert Bria.
“While the construction is largely behind us, the Council now has a significant task ahead to prepare the Centre for operations.”
To lead the Centre into this new era, the Council appointed experienced leisure facility management company BlueFit to oversee day-to-day operations.
BlueFit will deliver an exciting program of aquatic experiences with a focus on swim safety and learn-to-swim programs, ensuring that the facility remains an inclusive space for everyone.
Waterslide testing with a purpose
Before the facility is handed over to the Council in the coming days, rigorous testing of the two new waterslides is required to ensure they are ready for public use ahead of the official opening of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre on Saturday 10 October.
Rather than treating this as a routine procedure, the leadership team at BADGE turned the requirement into a significant physical challenge to raise funds and awareness for FightMND and supporting vital Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
BADGE SA’s General Manager Jay Johnson, Operations Managers Ed Whiting and Nick Yorston, and Project Manager Isoa Ronavuso completed a combined total of 240 test slides—60 slides each.
This “BADGE Big Freeze” for MND is more than just a trip down the flumes; it represents a challenging physical undertaking for an important cause, including a combined:
- 16,800 stairs
- 3.92km of climbing
- 6.1km of sliding.
Donations can be made online at FightMND. Your contribution helps turn this construction milestone into hope for those battling MND.
Watch video: Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre: Sliding into action
The home stretch
This milestone marks the transition into an intense six-week program to prepare the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre for operations and its Official Opening and Community Celebration on Saturday, 10 October.
Once open, these slides will be a centrepiece of the new premier aquatic destination, which also includes a 50-metre outdoor Olympic-sized pool and a zero-depth waterplay area, in addition to indoor swimming facilities.
To ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors at the Community Celebration on Saturday, 10 October, bookings for the Community Celebration are essential and will officially open on Tuesday, 1 September.
