A major upgrade of the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre is now underway, with $23.5 million in rejuvenation works set to refresh key pool areas and help secure the long-term future of one of South Australia’s most important aquatic venues.
The works, which will continue throughout 2026, will include upgrades to the leisure pool, learn-to-swim pool and 50-metre competition pool, alongside essential pool and plant improvements designed to enhance safety, water quality and the overall experience for visitors.
The Oaklands Park centre has become a major part of South Australia’s sporting and community landscape since opening, with more than 15.9 million visits across 15 years. It has also played a major role in the state’s elite sporting calendar, hosting three World Championships and three consecutive Olympic and Paralympic trials, while supporting athletes who have gone on to achieve more than 135 international medals.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said, “The SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre supports and welcomes everyone from learn-to-swim participants through to our highest-performing athletes.”
“These upgrades will ensure the centre remains a world-class venue, delivering safer, more modern facilities for the thousands of South Australians who use it each week.”
“Importantly, we are staging these works to minimise disruption, so the community can continue to access aquatic facilities while this vital investment is delivered.”
The rejuvenation program is being delivered in stages to reduce disruption for members, visitors and regular programs. The first phase, covering the Leisure Pool, Big Bucket and Splash Park, began on April 27 and will continue through to November 2026. During this period, those areas will be closed, with programs relocated to other parts of the centre.
Work on the Competition Pool will follow from August 31 to mid-December 2026, with alternative lap swimming options to remain available. The Learn to Swim Pool will then undergo works from October 28 to mid-December 2026.
The latest stage follows a previous round of upgrades completed between October 2024 and August 2025, which included renewal of the indoor 55-metre diving pool and dive tower, reopening of the water slide tower and slides, refurbishment of the 25-metre program pool and spa, changeroom upgrades, and improvements to steam and sauna facilities.
Member for Gibson Sarah Andrews said, “These upgrades will make this local institution an even better place for families to come and enjoy a swim or other activity.”
“It also ensures the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre remains a preeminent competition venue for elite swimming which in turn attracts interstate and international visitors to our area.”
“I encourage members to take advantage of their reciprocal membership rights at new Adelaide Aquatic Centre while the works are undertaken.”
Reciprocal memberships are in place between the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, giving members another option while works are underway.
YMCA Aquatic General Manager Adam Luscombe said, “SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre means a lot to the people who use it every week.”
“After 15 years and 15.9 million visits, these works are an important investment in keeping the centre safe, welcoming and fit for the future.”
“We’ve already seen the difference stage one has made, and we’re excited for the next phase to refresh the splash deck, tipping bucket, competition pool and other key areas.”
