The new pool at UQ Gatton
The new pool at UQ Gatton
30 November 2011

UQ Gatton staff, students and the local community will stay cool this summer with the official opening of the UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre - The War Memorial Swimming Pool on 1 December.

The $5 million dollar facility will be opened by Mr Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair. The project was supported by the Australian Government which provided $3 million from Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) funding.

Professor Alan Rix, Pro-Vice-Chancellor says that the UQ Gatton community is very excited about the new facility.

"It has a long history opening initially in 1954 after a community effort to build the pool with staff, students and volunteers all getting involved to help dig the pool," Professor Rix said.

"Having the pool as well as the cardio and weights gym means that there are more fitness options on offer from services that UQ Sport, including aerobic classes and swim squad training."

"We are looking forward to having the pool available particularly as we approach the hotter summer months," he said.

It is a long awaited replacement for the previous pool which was closed in 2004.

The UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre - The War Memorial Swimming Pool earned the name as it was initially built using funds that were raised during World War II and it was named in honour of those staff and past students who gave their lives for their country.

The UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre - The War Memorial Swimming Pool was designed by Architectus and built by McNab and the facility is managed by UQ Sport. For more information on the UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre visit: http://www.uqsport.com.au/gatton.

EVENT DETAILS

WHERE: UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre - The War Memorial Swimming Pool, Building 8145, Gatton Campus

WHEN: Thursday, 1 December 2011, 2.30pm

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Picture of Mr Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair opening the new facility. Past and current students at the new facility.

MEDIA PARKING: Parking is available in front of the UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre - The War Memorial Swimming Pool (Building 8145) and across from Shelton Hall (Building 8122).

Media: Erin Pearl 0409 265 587, (07) 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au