Oak Park redevelopment updates (Media release)

For detailed updates on the Oak Park redevelopment project, including photos and videos, follow Merri-bek on Facebook or visit the Oak Park Aquatic Centre redevelopment project.

4 November 2017

From Merri-bek Mayor Cr John Kavanagh:

I’m happy to report that things are progressing at lightning speed at Oak Park and we are on track to welcome the community to this completely new facility for the 2018-19 summer season.

All pool structures have now been completed, as has the sports pavilion structure, and roofing underway.

In the next week the team will putting up the roof structure of the Aquatic Pavilion.

Next phase will see the fitout of the buildings, testing of pool structures and importantly – the water slide structure will go up in December so the water slides can be installed in January.

11 September 2017

It’s a case of Déjà vu for long-term Oak Park residents, as the site of the original Oak Park Pool – which was built in the 1960s, more than 50 years ago – is once again a hive of construction activity as a completely new facility rises in its place.

Moreland Mayor Cr Helen Davidson donned a pair of work boots last week to take a peek at where things are at with Merri-bek’s largest ever capital works project and report back to the community.

“It’s hard to believe it’s only been three months since we broke ground on this project,” said Cr Davidson.

“The site is changing at a rapid pace and it’s great to see everything is on track. All the old buildings have been knocked down and the new pools are already taking shape.”

The pool shells have been cut in and concrete is now being meticulously poured and levelled, and the slab of the sports pavilion is complete.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask about the elephant, which we’re happy to say was carefully removed when we started the project and will be back before the pool reopens for summer next year,” said Cr Davidson.

The new Oak Park will offer three heated pools, water-play equipment, change rooms, a 24-hour gym and group fitness space, and a sports pavilion. Two new water slides, including a raft water slide, will replace the old one.

Oak Park will reopen for the 2018-19 summer season.

26 June 2017

Since breaking ground in early May, things at Oak Park have been moving quickly.

The site is now a blank canvas, with all buildings and pools demolished.

The site is now being prepared for three completely new heated pools, as well as water play equipment, change rooms, a 24-hour gym and group fitness space, and a whole new sports pavilion. Two new water slides, including a raft water slide, will replace the old one.

30 May 2017

The famous Oak Park elephant has now been carefully moved into storage. It will return to the site at a later stage and be placed within the new facility.

The buildings, including the change rooms, canteen and reception area, are now being demolished and the old slide has been dismantled.

The design and colour of the two new slides has now been finalised - check in soon for the big reveal.

8 May 2017

Moreland’s largest ever capital works project is officially underway at the Oak Park Pool.

The $27.3m project is a first for Merri-bek and has been funded entirely by the community, with no assistance provided by the State or Federal Government.

Moreland’s Mayor Cr Helen Davidson says breaking ground marks an exciting achievement for Council.

“I’m extremely proud that Council has been able to fund the overhaul of this extremely important community asset,” said Cr Davidson.

First opened in 1966, The Oak Park Pool has seen generations of happy families and friends mingle and play under the summer sun, but the much-loved facility is now long overdue for a full redevelopment.

“The Oak Park Pool has a special place in the hearts of many Merri-bekers – myself included – and when the new facility opens a new generation of Merri-bek children will be creating their own summer memories here.”

As for the elephant that sat in the former children’s pool, the Mayor has assured the community that it will be stored away safely and returned to the new facility in a new location when it opens in time for summer in late 2018.

The aquatic and leisure centres in Merri-bek are a major resource for the health and wellbeing for the community and key to the redevelopment is creating an accessible facility for people of all ages, abilities and cultures.

In addition to accessibility improvements, the new Oak Park will include two new water slides, a heated 50m outdoor pool, an interactive water play pool and learner’s pool, as well as a health club, 24-hour gym and group fitness facilities.

The new sports pavilion will include much needed change rooms, along with increased social space, kitchen and viewing decks to both ovals.

“Today marks a very special occasion where we say thank you for the memories as we look forward to a renovated and reinvigorated facility, which will be completed at the end of 2018, just in time for the summer season,” said Cr Davidson.