Sliding into action: Waterslide commissioning marks major milestone at Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre

As the redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre nears completion, a major milestone has been reached with the commissioning of the facility's landmark 14-metre-tall waterslide tower and dual waterslides. 

This achievement signals the final stages of a three-year construction collaboration between the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and construction partner, BADGE. 

"Delivering a facility of this scale is no easy feat, but the collaboration between Council, BADGE and our project partners has been outstanding," Mayor Bria said.

"Together, we're creating an aquatic centre that will serve our community for generations to come."

While construction is now largely complete, work is continuing behind the scenes to prepare the centre for opening day and welcome visitors through the gates.

To lead the Centre into this new era, the Council appointed experienced leisure facility management company BlueFit to oversee day-to-day operations. 

BlueFit will deliver an exciting program of aquatic experiences with a focus on swim safety and learn-to-swim programs, ensuring that the facility remains an inclusive space for everyone. 

Waterslide testing with a purpose 

Before the facility is handed over to the Council in the coming days, rigorous testing of the two new waterslides is required to ensure they are ready for public use ahead of the official opening of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre on Saturday 10 October. 

Rather than treating this as a routine procedure, the leadership team at BADGE turned the requirement into a significant physical challenge to raise funds and awareness for FightMND and supporting vital Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. 

BADGE SA’s General Manager Jay Johnson, Operations Managers Ed Whiting and Nick Yorston, and Project Manager Isoa Ronavuso completed a combined total of 240 test slides—60 slides each. 

Watch video: Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre: Sliding into action

This "BADGE Big Freeze” for MND is more than just a trip down the flumes; it represents a challenging physical undertaking for an important cause, including a combined: 

• 16,800 stairs 

• 3.92km of climbing 

• 6.1km of sliding. 

Donations can be made online at FightMND. Your contribution helps turn this construction milestone into hope for those battling MND. 

The home stretch 

This milestone marks the transition into an intense six-week program to prepare the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre for operations and its Official Opening and Community Celebration on Saturday, 10 October. 

Once open, these slides will be a centrepiece of the new premier aquatic destination, which also includes a 50-metre outdoor Olympic-sized pool and a zero-depth waterplay area, in addition to indoor swimming facilities. 

Stay up to date with the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre

Visit the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre website for more information and to join the Priority List to receive updates about the centre’s opening.

Venue hire enquiries:
Email payneham@bluefit.com.au

For information about the redevelopment project, visit: Council Projects