Tap dancing heats up at Phoenix Park Community Centre

The tap dancing is heating up but the tappers are staying cool at Phoenix Park Community Centre thanks to the newly installed air conditioning system.

A condition audit by the City of Stonnington found the out-dated gas system needed upgrading to prevent expensive maintenance and ensure all areas of the community centre had appropriate heating and cooling, prompting the decision to replace with old air conditioning with a new variable refrigerant flow system.

In May 2023, the new system was installed giving each office and area in the centre the ability to control and monitor the temperature, without causing disruptions to other groups.

The multi-use centre has basketball courts, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen and theatre, and is home to Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House (PPNH). PPNH supports the Stonnington Community with a range of courses, activities and programs.

PPNH manager Maddie Race said the PPNH community welcomed the improved climate-controlled environment from the new heating and cooling system.

“We are grateful for the upgrade, which positively enhances the experience when community members attend their favourite programs and activities.

“Thanks to the City of Stonnington for managing and upgrading the facilities and caring for the community,” she added.

On a recent visit to the centre, City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Jami Klisaris said, “Phoenix Park Community Centre is a hub for our community to come together for varied activities”.

“We want our community to feel comfortable and enjoy being in the centre at any time of the year.

“This upgrade has not only provided more coverage to centre areas but has reduced power consumption compared to the previous system, making a significant improvement in energy efficiency and costs”.

The install took less than four weeks, with the new heating and cooling system already benefiting the church and other community groups using the space.

Phoenix Park Community Centre is open to everyone. To learn more about centre activities visit Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House

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