MONCKTON Aquatic Centre opened for the summer season last Saturday with temperatures just right for a dip.
“Armidale’s temperatures are normally not sufficient to gain optimum use of heat pump systems but with the warmer weather temperatures have been good,” the Armidale Dumaresq Council’s civic and recreation services manager Phil Brown said.
Entry fees are great value for the number of activities and amenities provided at the centre. A single admission for adults and children over five costs $4.50 and single entry for children, three to five years of age, costs $2. All other prices, including ticket books, are on the council website (search for Monckton Aquatic Centre).
The centre provides the following heated pools: an eight-lane 50 metre heated competition, a six-lane 50m, learners’ and toddlers’ with numerous water features.
In addition to the pools, there are three different size water inflatable slides (available on most weekends and throughout the holidays, also available for parties or groups), a large grandstand, free hot showers, large kiosk area capable of catering for birthday parties and other functions, newly refurbished function room, shaded picnic area with barbecues, free sunscreen and a basketball/netball/cricket and handball area. The centre also hosts swimming squads training, learn to swim masters swimming and a number of Royal Life Saving Society programs.
The Monckton Aquatic Centre is a proud member of Royal Life Saving Society’s “Keep Watch” program which includes the compulsory wearing of identifying wrist bands for all children five years and under.
There is security throughout the centre to help parents with the supervision of young children.
Mr Brown said that the centre had some of the best facilities in the region but asked patrons over the summer period to remain diligent when supervising children around water. While lifeguards are an important part of supervision, your children are your responsibility and must be supervised at all times.
The centre will be open on weekdays from 6am to 7pm and weekends and public holidays from 10am to 7pm, excluding Christmas Day.
