Summer of Fun to make big splash across the region

SWIM, Sport and Leisure (SSL) centres will be the hubs of several family fun days throughout the summer.

Swim and aquatic centres across Geelong and the Bellarine will host family-oriented fun day as a part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Summer of Fun initiative.

The six-week Summer of Fun program will start at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove on January 9, followed by Splashdown Leisure Centre in Moolap on 16 January, Lara Aquatic Centre on January 23, Kardinia Aquatic Centre on 30 January, Waterworld Leisure Centre in Norlane on February 6, and Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Waurn Ponds on February 13.

Members of the community will be able to gain free access to the gym and pool areas at a different SSL centre every Sunday afternoon from January 9 to February 13.

Each centre will host a different range of activities, such as DJs, live music, coffee vans, group exercise sessions, children’s face painting, balloon sculptures and giveaways.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the city’s Summer of Fun program will encourage families to get actively engaged with the programs and activities across the city’s SSL network.

“Summer of Fun is a great opportunity to check out your local centre and take advantage of everything they have to offer,” Cr Asher said.

“You can pack a picnic, buy a coffee and join the kids for some family-friendly activities in and around the water.”

In addition, active Webstar’s Swim School (WSS) members will be able to use Splashdown’s slides free of charge daily through to January 30.

WSS members will also be able to bring a friend for free – and have their parents swim without charge – during the two-week break from lessons over Christmas and New Year’s.

Cr Peter Murrihy, Chair of the Leisure and Recreation portfolio, said the initiative would add to the region’s burgeoning calendar of recreation and cultural events.

“There’s so much to see and do at the city’s recreation and cultural venues this summer,” Cr Murrihy said.

“Whether it’s live music and theatre at the Potato Shed, exhibitions and workshops at the National Wool Museum, or rides at the historic carousel, there’s something for everyone at our facilities.”