ARC birthday invitation

KEEN swimmers and fitness fanatics helped to celebrate the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC)’s 10th birthday recently.
The community birthday celebration featured market stalls water activities, health checks, underwater photography, group fitness classes, a performance by the Kapa Haka Maori Cultural Group and a sausage sizzle.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes said Casey ARC, which is managed for the council by the YMCA, was a big part of the community.
“I encourage residents to make the most of the wide range of activities and services on offer including a health club, group fitness classes, personal training, YMCA Aquatic Education and Y Splash holiday programs, a wave pool, childcare facility, physiotherapy and massage clinic, children’s programs and the Good Life care,” Cr Balmes said.
City of Casey Acting Manager Sport and Leisure Peter Knight said Casey ARC had been recognised for its innovative programs and had won number of awards over the years.
“In 2002, the facility won the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Award, the AISC Victoria Architectural Award and received a commendation for the Excellence in Construction Award,” Mr Knight said.
“With more than 9.3million visits to the facility since it opened in June 2001, Casey ARC provides an important aquatic and recreation hub for the Casey community.” In 2011, Casey Council spent $300,000 refurbishing the Health Club which was outfitted with new cardio equipment.
Other improvements this year include a new RPM studio, new crèche floor and the installation of $30,00 worth of sustainable water features.
Works are also currently under way to create an improved shade structure to improve comfort to people using the outdoor areas of the facility.