The Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) has been given the green light to reopen again next week as phase two restrictions prepare to ease across WA.
From Wednesday, May 20, the MARC will resume a new group fitness class timetable and reopen the indoor lap pool for up to 20 people at a time.
In a press conference on Friday, Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said he expected there to be a few teething issues, but he was "looking forward" to reopening important community facilities.
"The Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, probably the best recreation centre in Western Australia, will be opened on Wednesday," he said.
"At this stage, as far as we know, it's 20 [people] across the whole building so that being said, it will primarily be about the use of the pools and the gyms will remain closed.
"It will be a little tricky at the beginning and people will have to book to get into those spaces.
"We understand that there's a bit of complexity behind that but that's a burden we're willing to carry at this point because we know how important these facilities are to the public."
An email was sent to all MARC members on Friday afternoon outlining the details of the phased reopening.
"Your safety is our priority," the email read.
"As per WA Health Guidelines we will be implementing our COVID-19 Safe Plan and ensuring hygiene and cleaning procedures are adhered to.
"You may come back and notice some big changes at the MARC whilst we adjust to working under new conditions. We appreciate your understanding at this time."
A new group fitness timetable has been developed, which will be available from Monday, May 18, and the indoor 25 metre lap pool will be available for public use.
MARC memberships will remain on hold with classes and sessions to be booked and paid for in advance at casual rates, with concession discounts applied.
Bookings will be available 24 hours before each class or session and will be limited to 20 people.
All other pools will remain closed, including the outdoor 50 metre pool which is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and is due to be completed within the next four weeks.
The stadium courts will also only be available for sporting clubs for training purposes only.
What is open:
- Indoor 25m lap pool
- Group fitness
What is closed:
- Changing rooms
- Leisure pool
- Pirate playground
- 50 metre outdoor pool
- Squash courts
- Creche
- Children's programs
- Stadium court bookings for general public
The Halls Head Recreation Centre will also remain closed.
More to come.