Whitlam Leisure Centre Visual Story

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Arrival at Whitlam Leisure Centre

The Whitlam Leisure Centre is situated on numerous acres with other recreational facilities, giving it a vast, open, park-like feel. There is an extensive car park located 50m from the venue and a drop-off zone is also available close to the entrance.

There are eight accessible car parking spaces which can be accessed by a Zebra Crossing leading into the entrance, and passing by the 50m external pool (which is only open during summer time).

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping
  2. Motor vehicles
  3. Cockatoos screeching
  4. Trees rustling
  5. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. External weather conditions
  3. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  4. Chlorine (low level)
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement
  2. External weather environment
  3. Walking movement
  4. Anticipation
  5. Change in temperature
Sight

Sight

  1. Flying flags
  2. Low set brick building
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Slow moving vehicles
  5. Pedestrians

Entrance to Whitlam Leisure Centre

Moving through the entrance, positioned directly ahead is the curved reception (with low counter accessibility) with lane ropes for the queuing guests and members. Moving towards the right is the Health Club and Swell Café, whilst to the left is the aquatic centre.

This area is open and spacious, with soft lighting, some natural light and a number of options for seating. A ramp is available for access to the Swell Café.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Music (during exercise classes)
  2. Directional instructions
  3. Splashing of water
  4. Electronic beeping & buzzing
  5. Hum of air conditioning
Smell

Smells

  1. Chlorine (medium)
  2. Cleaning products
  3. Café aroma (faint)
  4. Air conditioning
  5. Sanitisers
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity to others (when busy)
  2. Change in floor surfaces (carpet)
  3. Money/credit card handling
  4. Physical barrier
  5. Excitement
Sight

Sight

  1. Clean & spacious area
  2. Contrasting colours
  3. Grey carpet-tiled floor
  4. Soft lighting
  5. People queueing

Aquatic Centre at Whitlam Leisure Centre

Moving through the glass sliding doors from the left of reception into the Aquatic Centre is a domed roof with blue walls and a light grey ceiling. Approximately half of the roof is a giant skylight allowing in natural light.

There is a children's, step-free entrance pool with accessible entry as well as an 8 lane 25m lap pool which does not have ramp entry but does have a pool hoist. Aquatic wheelchairs are also available in this area as well as a Spa, Sauna, Jacuzzi, and Changerooms.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Children laughing & playing
  2. Water splashing
  3. Echoes
  4. PA Announcements
  5. Electronic buzzing & beeping
Smell

Smells

  1. Chlorine (strong)
  2. Controlled air environment
  3. Café & restaurant aroma
  4. Wet clothes
  5. Soap & toiletries (bathroom)
Touch

Feel

  1. Change in temperatures
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Anxiety (when busy)
  4. Elevated heart rate
  5. Wet (when swimming)
Sight

Sight

  1. Natural lighting (skylights)
  2. Potential crowding
  3. Splashing water
  4. People swimming
  5. Contrasting colours

Health Club at Whitlam Leisure Centre

Beyond the reception and to the right lies a modern, recently renovated fitness facility that includes a cardio room, a weight training area, a group exercise studio, and a spin studio, all featuring timber floors, white ceilings, and fluorescent lighting. A reception desk is situated to the left.

The cardio room, accessible through a manual glass door, is located right at the entrance and is equipped with stability balls and various cardio machines. Another door opens to the Group Exercise Studio, an expansive space with grey carpet and a small platform.

Adjacent to this is the Spin Studio. The entire Health Club is supervised by trained sports staff.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Physical exertion noises (grunts/groans)
  2. Sudden & sharp noises (gym equipment)
  3. Music (loud during set classes)
  4. Instructions from coaches
Smell

Smells

  1. Body odours (close proximity)
  2. Sporting ointments
  3. Controlled air environment
  4. Deodorants & perfumes
  5. Carpet
Touch

Feel

  1. Elevated heart rate
  2. Elevated body temperature
  3. Exhaustion
  4. Thirsty
  5. Changing floor surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Reflections (glass)
  2. Natural light & downlights
  3. Gym equipment
  4. People sweating
  5. Timber floors

Stadium and Gymnastics at Whitlam Leisure Centre

Furthest from the reception and down the corridor is the Stadium and Gymnastics centre as well as toilet and change room facilities. The Stadium is two basketball courts in size and has highly polished timber flooring, with a brown ceiling with dark beams including fluorescent lights.

The gymnasium also has timber flooring but also features large blue mats and other soft equipment used for gymnastics. The ceiling is white with subtle lighting.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Instructions from coaches
  2. Music
  3. Bouncing balls
  4. Squeaking shoes on floor
  5. Heavy breathing
Smell

Smells

  1. Sporting ointments
  2. Body odours (close proximity)
  3. Bathroom odours (maybe noticeable)
  4. Cleaning/sanitising products
  5. Deodorants & perfumes
Touch

Feel

  1. Change in floor surfaces
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Elevated heart rate
  4. Elevated body temperature
  5. Body anxiety
Sight

Sight

  1. Large void space (stadium)
  2. Low ceilings (corridors)
  3. People running & exercising
  4. People sweating
  5. Contrasting colours
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