The Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre are the two new swimming jewels on the North Shore.
Mass renovations have concluded right in time for what should be a hot summer. So has the wait been worthwhile? And what are the advantages of each one?
The Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre are not the only leisure centres in our region of Sydney, but are certainly the newest and offer a large range of facilities, classes and leisure activities.
The majority of people who have grown up in the area would have fond memories of lessons and fun times at either of these centres. However, both have been re-vamped beyond recognition.
The Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre has seen the YMCA takeover the operation of the old pool facilities in West Pymble, off Ryde road. The refurbishment has entailed the construction of a large, new building that comprises the foyer, gym and café, and is attached to a brand new indoor play and lap pools.
The construction cost the local council a total of $12.9 million and provides good gym and swimming facilities on top of the already existing outdoor pools that have remained much the same.
Hornsby has expanded their facilities to the tune of $26 million and the new centre comprises an underground car park, an indoor play pool, gym and fitness studio as well as a 50 metre outdoor pool.
The completion date of the Hornsby precinct was delayed due to the collapse of the company that supplied the steel trusses that formed the foundation and frame of the centre. But it’s done and ready to go for summer, thankfully.
Ku-ring-gai also suffered delays due to the late arrival of the gym equipment.
At the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre; pool entry will cost an adult $6, their gym entry costing $17.50 per visit. A family swimming pass (2 adults + 2 children) costs $18 and only $2 per additional family member. Kids swim for a mere $4.50 and can attend the gym for $14.50.
Memberships and seasonal passes are also an option and can be found here.
The Hornsby Leisure centre charges adults one dollar more or $7 to use their pools but only $16 to use the gymnasium. Family pool passes are $20 (2 adults + 2 children/ 1 adult + 3 children) or $25 if an additional family member attends. Kids swim for $5 per session and pensioners for only $4 per visit.
Fees for the Hornsby facility can be found here.
Both pools have good access for wheel chairs both in to the precinct and accessing the pools.
Hornsby will also be the home of extensive holiday programs for children that will be updated to their website shortly.
If you want to sample the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre there is a pool party, next Saturday (the 22nd Nov) from 10AM-7PM. More details can be found here.
Both centres are easy to access so what are the differences between each centre?
The Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre at West Pymble provides great facilities for all members of a family, but also provides larger gym facilities than its Hornsby counterpart. It should be noted that both gyms are fairly simple in what they provide but the Pymble centre contains almost double the equipment to that of Hornsby.
Hornsby has 3 hours of free underground parking, making it easy to get in and out of the precinct. Hornsby also provides disabled access from the car park and into all of the pools. Hornsby is cheaper for gym use but the pool Pymble is less expensive. Hornsby appears to be heavily focused on young children and their leisure. It even has a waterslide. Pymble will be a great facility for young people when they want to take themselves to a pool to swim, play and relax.
So whatever your plans are over the summer break make sure to fit in time for a trip to your newest local pools. They are well worth a visit.
