Casuarina’s new 27-million-dollar leisure centre opens in Darwin’s north
The lines went out the door this morning with hundreds of swimmers keen to try out the 27-million-dollar leisure centre in Darwin’s northern suburbs. The renovated centre is being described as a much-needed community hub for Casuarina, but unlike Palmerston’s new leisure centre, entry will not be free.
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00:00At the front gate, the kind of line you'd expect for a rock star.
00:06The opening of a redeveloped pool and leisure centre in Darwin's northern suburb of Kajarina
00:12attracted huge crowds of eager swimmers.
00:15How long have you been waiting?
00:16Um, like, we came here like at ten, so probably an hour.
00:23Families have waited more than 18 months for the opening date.
00:26Keen for a new place to keep young people in this part of the city occupied.
00:31I'm really excited.
00:32It's going to be exciting because I've been waiting about two years for this because there's
00:38not that much around.
00:39Beyond the pools, the $28 million centre has a basketball court and other places to play.
00:45The city of Darwin provided $19 million with the federal government, chipping in $7.5 million.
00:52It's a magnificent facility and yes, the 50 metre swimming pool, it is exactly 50 metres.
00:58Local government plays an incredibly important role in making sure communities have great
01:02places not only for recreation, but also to be able to come together and it's important
01:07for social inclusion and stability in our communities.
01:11But it won't be quite as inclusive as Palmerston's new leisure centre, which is currently free
01:16for casual visits.
01:18No, I like to do my own thing, not follow others.
01:22Council pool entry fees apply and negotiations are still underway for a proposed on-site
01:28cafe and gym.