Cleveland Aquatic Centre Visual Story

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Arrival at Cleveland Aquatic Centre

The Cleveland Aquatic Centre, situated on Russell Street, is an outdoor aquatic facility comprised of a series of low-set, cream-colored brick buildings with brown tiled roofing that encircle the Aqua Park. Large, established gum trees around the perimeter provide a serene, natural ambiance to the venue, nestled within the local suburbs.

Parking, including four accessible car parking spaces, is conveniently located a few meters from the entrance. A step-free ramp with handrails ensures easier mobility for wheelchair users from the car park to the entrance.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Screeching parrots
  2. Moving vehicles
  3. Rustling leaves
  4. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Coastal air
  2. Gum trees
  3. Mulch
  4. Gravel
  5. External weather conditions
Touch

Feel

  1. External weather conditions
  2. Anticipation
  3. Anxiety
  4. Crunching leaves
Sight

Sight

  1. Parked vehicles
  2. Large gum trees
  3. Shaded areas
  4. Flying birds (esp. parrots)
  5. External weather conditions

Entrance to Cleveland Aquatic Centre

Entrance to the facility is through a gated entrance, with the reception desk immediately on the right. Adjacent to the reception is a small retail area offering swimwear, goggles, and swim accessories, alongside a small café.

To the left of the reception lie the outdoor aquatic areas, surrounded by a low metal fence. Accessible bathrooms and an all-gender bathroom with a shower, handrails, and a bench seat are located in this area. A ramp and steps with handrails facilitate access to these amenities, ensuring convenience for visitors.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Vehicles & traffic sounds (occasional)
  2. Screeching parrots
  3. Directional instructions
  4. Electronic beeping
  5. People talking
Smell

Smells

  1. External weather environments
  2. Gum trees
  3. Cleaning products (light)
  4. Sanitising products
Touch

Feel

  1. Indoor environment
  2. Interpersonal anxiety
  3. Anticipation
  4. Change in temperature
Sight

Sight

  1. Semi indoor area
  2. Shaded areas
  3. Staff in uniforms
  4. Retail shop
  5. Contrasting lights

Outdoor Aquatic Area

Directly beyond the entrance are the outdoor aquatic areas, starting with a 25-meter, 6-lane lap pool just past the reception area. This pool is accessible via a tactile ramp with handrails.

Further on, an 8-lane, 50-meter swimming pool can be reached from the reception by stairs or a ramp, with stepped entry points into the pool. A tiered grandstand on the southern side overlooks the 50-meter pool. A concrete ramp separates the two pools, ensuring smooth transitions between the areas.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Trees rustling
  2. Splashing water
  3. People talking & laughing
  4. Water running
  5. Instructions from coaches
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Chlorine (mild)
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Wet/damp clothes
  5. Soap & toiletries (bathroom)
Touch

Feel

  1. Wet (when swimming)
  2. Excited
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Elevated heart rate
  5. Change in floor surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Natural light
  2. Contrasting colours (blue & green)
  3. Water
  4. Established trees
  5. People swimming

Splash Park

Located behind the 50-meter, 8-lane pool is a dedicated Splash Park and Adventure Pool. This vibrant area is encircled by established gum trees and features extensive, open spaces with step-free entrances.

The slippery slide, spraying fountains, and fast-flowing current area infuse the space with fun, adventure, and excitement. Vibrant shade cloths are strung overhead, providing ample shade for the pool and the surrounding concrete bench seating.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Spraying water
  2. Screeching parrots
  3. Excited people
  4. Children laughing
  5. People talking
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Chlorine (mild)
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Grass
  5. Sunscreen
Touch

Feel

  1. Excited
  2. Elevated heart rate
  3. Fun
  4. Close proximity to others
  5. Change in floor surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright colours
  2. Water splashing
  3. People playing & laughing
  4. Waterslide
  5. Gardens & trees

Indoor Pool

A long, corrugated iron dome covers the 20-meter indoor pool, which is equipped with steps and handrails. Fluorescent lighting illuminates the space from above, complemented by natural light filtering through windows at each end.

Plastic chairs are conveniently placed along one wall, offering easy access to seating. The walls are adorned with colorful murals, creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere. Outside, a shaded structure with tables and chairs overlooks the outdoor pool, accessible via a ramp with handrails.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Echoes
  2. Water splashing
  3. People talking
  4. Instructions from coaches
  5. Water running
Smell

Smells

  1. Chlorine (mild)
  2. Cleaning products
  3. Humidity
  4. Wet/damp clothes
Touch

Feel

  1. Elevated heart rate
  2. Excitement
  3. Wet (when swimming)
  4. Changing floor surface
Sight

Sight

  1. Colourful murals
  2. Plastic seats
  3. Dome shape structure
  4. Water
  5. People swimming

Gymnasium

A small boutique gymnasium is divided into two sections and is located to the right of the reception area. A small step divides the cardiovascular equipment room from the free weights and resistance exercise machinery.

Equipment includes Treadmills, Smith Machines, Press Machine, and others. The smell of vinyl and rubber is notable. The low ceiling and fluorescent lighting add to the boutique nature of the space.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Clanging of exercise equipment
  2. Music
  3. Instruction's from coaches
  4. People running on treadmill
  5. Whirr of exercise machines
Smell

Smells

  1. Cleaning products
  2. Vinyl
  3. Rubber
  4. Sporting ointments
  5. Body odours (close proximity)
Touch

Feel

  1. Elevated heart rate
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Elevated body temperature
  4. Sweaty
  5. Heavy breathing
Sight

Sight

  1. Exercise equipment
  2. Bright lights
  3. Natural light
  4. People exercising
  5. Bright colours
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