Adelaide’s newest swimming destination is officially opening its doors today, with a towering 14-metre waterslide, three swimming pools and a massive waterplay area ready to welcome thousands of excited locals.
The $64 million Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre in Felixstow will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, October 10, marking the return of a much-loved community swimming spot with an impressive new look.
And Adelaide families are clearly keen to dive in, with all three free opening-day sessions booked out well in advance and around 3,500 people expected to attend.
Located on OG Road, the new centre features an Olympic-sized, 50-metre heated outdoor pool with 10 lanes, a 25-metre indoor lap pool and a warm-water pool, offering plenty of options for everyone from serious swimmers to families looking for a splash.
But perhaps the biggest drawcard is the enormous 14-metre-high waterslide tower, featuring two waterslides and an 80-step climb to the top.
Little ones haven’t been forgotten either, with a zero-depth waterplay area designed for younger visitors, while the centre also includes a swim school, café, picnic and barbecue facilities, meeting rooms and accessible changerooms and pool entry.
The redevelopment has delivered approximately 1,900 square metres of swimming space, almost double that of the previous facility, along with 38 new trees and landscaped outdoor areas.
City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said the opening marks an exciting new chapter for a swimming centre that has been part of the community for generations.
“Payneham pool has been part of our community for generations, so we know how much excitement there is to see its return — bigger, brighter and better than ever.”
The opening is particularly special for 78-year-old local resident Kerry Hammill, who first visited the original Payneham pool when it opened in 1968.
Almost six decades later, the keen lap swimmer has returned to experience the new facilities, including the waterslides.
“I first swam here nearly 60 years ago when I was 20 and the Payneham pool had just opened. There was no warm water to jump into back then, so coming back to see what’s here today is pretty incredible.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas will join Mayor Bria for the official opening, with the State Government contributing $5.6 million towards the redevelopment through its Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.
The centre will be managed by aquatic and leisure operator BlueFit, which will oversee daily operations, swimming lessons and water safety programs.
With indoor and outdoor pools, accessible facilities and operating hours extending from early mornings into the evenings, the new centre is designed to welcome swimmers throughout the year.
While today’s free opening celebrations are already fully booked, the centre’s opening signals the return of a major swimming and recreation destination for Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, just as the warmer weather arrives.
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre
What: Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre
Where: 194 OG Road, Felixstow
Opening: Saturday, October 10, 2026
For more information, click here.
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