The City of Stirling opened the largest public outdoor lap pool in the Southern Hemisphere on 2 September at Stirling Leisure - Inglewood.
The new facility, featuring a lap pool heated to 27.5 degrees Celsius and holding 2.5 million litres of water, includes ten 50-metre lanes and four 25-metre lanes. The pool area has been upgraded with a new concourse, landscaping, and LED lighting.
The complex incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology for improved safety. The AI-powered drowning detection system, Lynxight, analyses swimmer distress patterns and alerts lifeguards up to six times faster via smartwatch alerts. This system marks a first for Western Australia in aquatic safety technology.
Accessibility and comfort have been prioritised in the redevelopment. Two water access ramps have been added to the main pool and the Learners pool, alongside water wheelchairs for use by patrons.
New shade sails have been installed, offering swimmers the option to swim in the shade. The facility’s submersible swim wall allows for dividing the 50-metre lanes into two 25-metre sections, accommodating various activities such as lap swimming and water polo.
The upgrade also includes public artwork by local artists Chris Nixon and Andrew Frazer, whose designs now cover the 1,000-seat grandstand. The artwork aims to capture the nostalgia of summertime pool visits and add visual appeal to the venue.
Mayor Mark Irwin said the completion of the outdoor pool redevelopment represented a significant milestone.
“Since its inception in 1967, Stirling Leisure – Inglewood has transformed into a one-of-a-kind aquatic facility. The upgrades mark an exciting new era, with this much-needed rejuvenation of a pool that had reached the end of its 50-year life,” he said.
“It will be a high-quality facility we hope the community will enjoy for years to come, incorporating extensive upgrades to ensure an unparalleled aquatic experience for the next generation. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the largest public outdoor lap pool in the Southern Hemisphere.”
The redevelopment received $1 million in funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF).
Stirling Leisure – Inglewood is one of three aquatic centres operated by the City of Stirling, alongside facilities at Scarborough Beach and Balga.
In 2023/24, the Inglewood centre recorded 586,492 admissions, with projected attendance expected to rise to over 730,000 following the completion of the upgrades. Comparatively there were more than 389,000 admissions in Stirling Leisure – Scarborough Beach and over 401,000 admissions in Stirling Leisure – Balga Aquatic Centre last year.
All three facilities are accredited under the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program and have achieved Gold status for their water management practices.
Key Features of the Redeveloped facility include:
