Aquatic centre has mums and dads covered
The Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (AKAC) certainly knows what parents want.
The facility, which is located in Enmore, includes a swimming pool, crèche, café, wellness centre, swimming lessons, children’s squads, swimming clubs, synchronised swimming, kids dance fitness classes and special needs facilities and equipment. It even hosts children’s birthday parties.
The crèche, which is open five days a week, cares for young children between eight weeks and five years of age. Parents can take advantage of the facility to swim some laps, attend group fitness or aqua aerobics class, work up a sweat at the gym, or take up personal training while their child is being cared for by qualified staff.
“The stay at home parent can relax knowing that their baby is in a fun, safe environment while they [the parents] are doing something for themselves,” says Morgan Heida, Manager of the Wellness Centre.
Ms Heida explains that the focus of AKAC is overall wellness, not just physical health.
“Any type of movement will not only help health wise but makes you a better parent. It’s that whole healthy body, healthy mind thing,” she says.
If your child isn’t one for the pool, the Kids Dance Fitness classes cater for children between the ages of three and nine years old. Children learn games, coordination, balance, basic jazz and ballet techniques in a non-competitive environment. And there are other benefits too. “[The kids] access and gain social skills which is really important,” explains Ms Heida.
After working out, Kellerman’s Café is the perfect venue for meeting other parents in the community. It has healthy food options, a pleasant view overlooking the AKAC pools and Enmore Park, and a lovely indoor-outdoor feel. The café is even dog friendly. “You can bring your pet!” says an enthusiastic Ms Heida.
Named after Marrickville-born professional swimmer, vaudeville and film star, and writer, the late Annette Kellerman, the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre is located in Enmore Park, off Black St. Visit www.akac.com.au for more information.
