Waterworld will close its doors for good on Sunday June 18 and the iconic Norlane aquatic and leisure centre isn’t going out quietly.
The loved, but ageing, facility will close to allow for continuing construction of the brand new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub on the same site.
The Greater Geelong community will get the chance to farewell the facility through a free celebration on Saturday 17 June.
The event will feature free entry all day and family friendly activities, music and food between noon and 3pm.
Attendees will also have the chance to see photos of Waterworld history and secure an early bird membership discount for the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub.
Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said Waterworld’s closure was both nostalgic and exciting.
“This is a place where thousands of people have learned to swim, got fit, or spent their summers having fun,” Cr Aitken said.
“While there’s no doubt it’s a little sad to see it go, the exciting part is that we have this amazing new facility not far away.
“The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is going to be incredible, and just like Waterworld, it will very quickly become a cherished place for our local community.”
Waterworld was famous for its large outdoor waterslides, which were removed in 2018 to make way for the new Barwon Health North healthcare centre.
Since that time, Waterworld has continued to offer a range of swimming and gym facilities for members and visitors.
These services will all be offered as part of the $65.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub when it opens early in 2024.
The City’s Swim, Sport and Leisure team will operate a pop-up gym facility for Waterworld members at the nearby Corio Leisuretime Sports Precinct on Anakie Road until the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub opens.
Waterworld members also have reciprocal access to the City’s other Swim, Sport and Leisure facilities.