THE Gawler Aquatic Centre is reaping the rewards of a significant upgrade, experiencing its busiest summer school holiday period ever.

The local pool has broken attendance records for both October and January, with the entire season up 2000 visits (to 35,000) on last year, despite COVID-19 related closures in the lead up to Christmas.

More than 12,000 people came for a swim in January, which is more than double on last January (5000) and well-up on the average of 7000 January swimmers.

The pool’s Learn to Swim program is also at capacity, with more than 550 children enrolled at the beginning of February.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the strong attendance levels are great to see, and evidence of a return on recent investment at the community facility.

Before the start of the 2021 season, the Gawler Aquatic Centre underwent a $942,500 upgrade that included changeroom refurbishment, a new first aid room and storage shed, updated multi-function room, along with a new colourful and eye-catching entrance.

Council contributed just over $533,055 towards the project with a grant from the Federal Government’s Community Sport and Infrastructure Program making up the rest.

“The whole idea of investing in community facilities is so people use them and that’s exactly what’s happening,” Ms Redman said.

“The change rooms were in desperate need of an upgrade and getting that funding from the Federal Government really helped, but council also agreed to match that funding, which enabled us to really make a difference here.

“So, people are coming back in droves, and the classes are full; I know the lap swimming is also really popular and is really exploding in the mornings.

“I think we are learning to understand just how important this facility really is.”

The Gawler Learn to Swim program runs during terms four and one, with the general pool season set to finish on April 1.