Snared: Chance

Paul Dunlop
MEMBERSHIPS of the new Cardinia LiFE centre have already exceeded expectations, manager Michelle Young said yesterday.
Ms Young said more than 500 people had joined up at the centre which opened its doors to the public for the first time on Sunday.
Ms Young said the response from residents to the preopening membership drive had been very encouraging and hoped more people would join now the centre was open.
“I would really like to thank the community for its support and the reaction we have had since the opening has been great,” she said.
About 700 people took a closeup look at the $11 million facility during a free day of activities.
Premier Steve Bracks is expected to officially open the centre on 24 July.
Work on the centre began more than 18 months ago and has continued apace with tradesmen applying the finishing touches and landscaping the day before the opening.
Cardinia Shire Council said the centre would provide residents with health and recreation facilities to rival the best in Victoria.
Councillor Kate Lempriere said she was very impressed when she toured the facility last week.
“I’ll certainly be joining up,” Cr Lempriere said.
The centre will be open 363 days a year and adjoins the existing indoor sports stadium at the Toomuc Reserve.
As well as three pools, there is a gym, a program room for aerobics, yoga and other sports as well as a creche and cafe.
The project has had its critics over the years and debate has raged in the community as to whether the 25metre eightlane swimming pool is big enough to meet demand.
Councillors have shrugged off the criticisms saying the facilities are right for Cardinia and can be expanded later to meet future needs.
Piranhas swimming club secretary Meryl Parkitny said the club’s membership had already doubled in anticipation of the pool opening.
Ms Young said people should see the new centre for themselves.
“We would like everyone to come down and experience the complex firsthand.”
Meanwhile, the council is also seeking tenders for the renovation of the old outdoor pool in Anderson Street.
The 50metre outdoor pool was closed after it was declared unsafe in 2001 but the council is poised to decide whether to continue with plans to reopen it, possibly in time for this summer.