Geelong council has addressed a significant accessibility issue at Norlane Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) with the installation of new automatic doors.
The automatic doors have replaced the original, heavy doors to the warm water pool area, which often caused challenges for community members with mobility issues.
Staff and fellow patrons were regularly called upon to assist older and less mobile people to open the doors.
After feedback from patrons, staff raised the issue with council, resulting in the installation of the new automatic doors.
Councillor Anthony Aitken said council was focused on helping to facilitate community members getting active and maintaining a healthier routine.
“As chair of council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, it is encouraging council has been able to address this issue,” he said.
“I hope the other accessibility improvement concerns identified can be resolved going forward, to enable the Norlane ARC to reach its full potential and inclusiveness of this wonderful investment in our northern suburbs.
“Our recent 2024 Geelong Preventative Health Survey found that 92 per cent of people with disability self-reported lower levels of health, compared to 42 per cent of those without disability.
“Warm water exercise is low impact and especially helpful for people living with disability and other conditions, managing chronic pain, or recovering from injury.
“Ensuring access to this pool reflects the key priority areas in our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.”
