THE Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre (PARC) has won a state government gong for inclusivity.
PARC snared the ‘Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure’ award at the Victorian Government Awards for Disability, Sport and Recreation this month.
The DSR Awards acknowledge those who provide support in the area of sport and recreation to people with disability.
PARC CEO Tim Gledhill said the team at the aquatic centre is proud to have snared the award on Frankston’s behalf.
“We are honoured to be recognised at this year’s Victorian DSR Awards. Receiving an acknowledgement in our first year of operation is a great result and a testament to the diligence of Frankston Council and centre developers who put processes in place before opening to ensure our centre could be enjoyed by all,” he said.
The $49.7 million aquatic centre was officially opened in September last year thanks to funding from the federal government, state government and Frankston Council.
Features of PARC’s design include four accessible change rooms including adjustable adult size change tables and ceiling hoist and tracking systems, access ramps into all pool areas, portable chair hoists, hearing loops in group fitness rooms and a wide range of fitness equipment that is adaptable for wheel chair users.
Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley said the award shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together on a major project.
“Frankston City works hard to improve the health and wellbeing of all our residents and provides inclusive facilities that are welcoming and accessible. We didn’t only want to create facilities that met the bare minimum of requirements, we were committed to meeting best practice,” he said.
More than 500,000 people have visited PARC since it opened and 7000 have signed up for memberships.
See parcfrankston.com.au for summer holiday activities and details of a Frankston Summer Fun Pass giving kids’ access to PARC, Sand Sculpture Australia’s ‘Day at the Zoo’ and Gravity Zone.
