Stage two of The Lakes College Aquatic Precinct begins

Construction of stage two of The Lakes College Aquatic Precinct is officially underway, with a ceremonial sod turning signalling the beginning of work on a learn-to-swim facility and grandstand which are expected to be completed by September.

The second stage will complete the precinct, which was opened in September 2022, with stage one comprising an eight-lane 25m heated outdoor swimming pool, a kiosk and amenities with changerooms, showers and toilets.

Stage two will essentially double the precinct’s footprint, with a dedicated 20m indoor, heated learn-to-swim pool; shaded grandstand adjacent to the existing outdoor pool with seating for 500 spectators; all-abilities access from the carpark; spacious amenities and office space.

There will be person with disability access from the carpark and into both pools, and amenities at both areas.

The Lakes College Director of Aquatics Mackenzie Speechley says the second stage will complete the precinct and enhance what his team can offer.

“The stage two pool will allow us to have the learn-to-swim part of the precinct and program – babies from three months old will be able to have their lessons with us,” Mackenzie says.

“The addition of the second pool will allow us to teach anyone, any level, any age to swim. There will be a grandstand which will provide some undercover seating for parents as well as our students at school swimming carnivals and during lessons.”

Welcome development

The Lakes College Principal Nicole Gregory says she is looking forward to completing the precinct but also connecting with the broader community through the learn-to-swim program.

“The exciting part of this is that our Prep – Year 2 students will actually be able to do their swimming lessons that are part of the HPE program onsite for the first time this year,” she says.

“The community is really excited about that. The Lakes College wants to be a place that shares what it has with the outside community. Having a learn-to-swim space enables us to do that. We’re really excited about bringing other local families onboard.

“Being able to share that Lakes College experience with people who are not necessarily directly connected to the college as a school is a bit of an outreach piece for us. We’re really excited to be able to do that.”

Construction of the precinct is expected to be finished in September, with occupancy in October.

“Living in a state like Queensland, living in Australia, the beach is just a short way away and people have backyard pools and this (new pool) enables us to really make sure that we’re doing our bit for water safety of young people in our area,” Nicole says.

“That really is what is at the heart of this is that notion that we need to keep our kids safe. If there’s one thing that we can maybe help put a stop to, it’s young people not having the skills to be able to save themselves.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about signing up their ‘baby shark’ at TLC Learn to Swim, can visit the website for details and register their interest. Stay tuned for some early bird offers in the months ahead.