A new hub for recreation, connection, and fun in the heart of the red centre is now officially open, with the Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre (ASALC) expanded to include a new Adventure Park.
The new facility features an 18-hole mini-golf course, 3×3 basketball court, table tennis, an adventure playground, an outdoor gym, BBQ facilities, and beach volleyball – all in the shaded, grassy surroundings of the Alice Springs pool.
“Alice Springs is an active, fun-loving community,” said Alice Springs Town Council CEO, Andrew Wilsmore.
“This new addition to the well-loved Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre provides an important space for recreation, exercise, community connection and fun,’ said Mr Wilsmore.
“Our Tech Services, ASALC, Community Development and Depot teams have worked seamlessly together to bring this landmark project to life for our community. Residents will be creating lasting memories at this park for years to come.”
On Saturday, the park was officially opened by Mayor, Matt Paterson, with approximately 1,400 in attendance. Patrons received free entry from 11am, and waited eagerly at the gates for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11.30am.
Visitors were prepared for fun despite the soaring temperatures, with activities including hole-in-one mini-golf competitions, pool inflatables, 3×3 basketball games, and live music from local DJ Midas T.
Council team members also cooked up a tasty free BBQ, serving up over 1,100 sausages throughout the day.
The Adventure Park’s allure continued over the weekend with an impressive 650 visitors returning the next day, signalling the start of a big summer for the new park.
Thanks to a $450,000 funding commitment from the Northern Territory Government, Alice Springs locals and visitors will enjoy free entry to the Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Adventure Park throughout the summer school holidays.
This funding will also cover all school holidays until the end of 2025, as well as Sundays and Saturday afternoons throughout the year.
“Central Australian families now have even more ways to keep entertained and stay cool this season,” said Mr Wilsmore.
“We’re 1,500kms from the nearest beach, but now just around the corner from a game of beach volleyball, a swim and a picnic in the shade.”
The Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre Adventure Park was a joint project between the Alice Springs Town Council, the Northern Territory Government, and the Australian Government.
