Yawa Aquatic Centre Visual Story

Arrival at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Yawa Aquatic Centre located on Besgrove Street in the Rosebud sporting precinct of Olympic Park creates a naturalist setting and environment. The facility is a large modern architecturally designed building featuring steel and glass in a softly curved wave-like pattern.

The car park is situated at the rear of the facility whilst there are accessible car parking spaces directly adjacent to the entrance. From the car park, follow the walkways and ramp with handrails that lead to the building's entrance.

Yawa Aquatic Centre is a large modern, architecturally designed building featuring steel and glass in a soft curved wave-like pattern. The venue is located on Besgrove Street in the Rosebud sporting precinct of Olympic Park. The glass walls reflect the surrounding area creating a natural setting and environment.

The pavement going to Yawa Aquatic Centre is grey with some brown sections. Serve as the boundary between Besgrove Street and the pavement are metal bollards that stretch until the end of the facility. The first section guests would notice upon arrival is the elevation section of the seating area with green benches and a green large umbrella in the middle.

Near the curvy metal bike racks and the perforated metal bin enclosures at the rear end of the facility is a railed staircase leading to the river stone floor design that connects to the automatic, double glass entry doors with black metal edges. Found on the glass of the doors are the contact information and opening hours and a black poster about the facility, while a CCTV camera can be found mounted on top of the glass doors.

Sounds

Vehicles moving
External weather conditions (e.g. wind)
Trees rustling
Fluttering flags
Birds chirping

Smells

Coastal air
Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
Natural environment (animal smells)
External weather conditions

Feel

External weather conditions
Tarmac/tiled surfaces
Excitement & anticipation
Change in temperature

Sight

Reflections/glare
Tall trees
External weather conditions (e.g. sun)
Parked vehicles
Pedestrians

General Entrance at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Upon entering through the automatic glass sliding door, the Café is located to the left, while the reception and retail areas (which display goggles, swimwear, and accessories) are situated to the right. Directly ahead are the turnstiles, including an accessible turnstile, leading through to the aquatic facilities.

The flooring is has brown timber, and the surfaces are predominantly bright white, enhanced by substantial natural light filtering through the glass walls. A second entrance from the car park opens into a long corridor leading to the main reception, which features a lower desk to accommodate seated assistance. A second entrance from the car park opens to a long corridor that leads to the main reception.

Upon entering the motion-censored glass entrance doors, there is a Café to the left, and the reception and retail areas are to the right. Near the Café counter is a glass display showcasing an array of pastries. The floor is made of ash hardwood, while the curvy ceiling is white with noticeable aesthetic holes as designed. The facility is well-lit due to the natural lighting filtering through the glass walls.

The pathway leading to the entrance of aquatic facilities at Yawa Aquatic Centre. On the left side, next to a wall with sofa chairs, is a stand for the automatic dispenser for hand sanitizing. Another stand for automatic dispensers of hand sanitizers and large posters can be found on the motion-censored glass doors. The activities inside the aquatic facility can be seen through the glass doors. There is another room to the left, which is separated by glass walls.

Right after the entrance glass doors is a small retail section for swim gear as well as swimming suits. Reception staff at Yawa Aquatic Centre are wearing black polos and black caps etched with YAWA, while the Café staff are wearing white shirts with brown aprons. Mounted on the ceiling within the reception area are three televisions.

Long corridor from the back carpark entrance leading to the main reception area. Large, beautiful paintings cover most of the space on the white wall on the right. Seen through the glass doors while traversing this corridor is the railed staircase, perforated bins, and the unique floor design of the pathway outside. Lined in the middle of the ceiling are LED light shapes that alternately face the opposite walls in this corridor. A black signboard can be seen on the ashwood floor.

Sounds

Phones ringing
Volume of noise can be loud
Electronic buzzing & beeping
Splashing water
People talking

Smells

Chlorine (low)
Café & restaurant aroma
Deodorants (occasional)
Sanitisers
Fabric scent (retail)

Feel

Close proximity to others
Anxiety (human interaction)
Controlled air environment
Change in temperature
Change in floor surface

Sight

Natural mid level lighting
Bright colours
People queueing
Physical barrier
Entrance to pool, gym & café

Café at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Elements Eatery, is located to the left from the reception counter and has flexible seating options including easy to move chairs and space for wheelchairs and prams as well as high chairs.

Assistance dogs are welcome with fresh water bowls provided in the al fresco dining area. Dietary requirements are catered (ask staff to see the allergen matrix). The high ceiling is created by a mezzanine.

The café's seating area is illuminated by natural light coming in through the glass walls, and jelly-like artificial lights hanging from the ceiling provide additional lighting support. There is a narrow table with black high chairs located near the glass walls. A small cabinet that has tumblers and boxes is also available. Half of the seating area has an ash hardwood floor, while the other half is white.

Seen from this position is the Elements Eatery and the peripheral view of the reception desk. Elements Eatery offers a wide range of snacks (fruits, pastries) and drinks (cold and hot). There is a large wooden cabinet at the back of the café, which stores the varying coffee bean flavors and other essential materials. Within the café countertop is a white-tiled floor. There is a white panel board and a white floor that covers some seating sections for privacy.

View of the entire area of Elements Eatery at Yawa Aquatic Centre. The café has flexible seating options, including easy-to-move white and green chairs and a space for wheelchairs and prams. There is a narrow table with black high chairs located near the glass walls. There is a green sofa chair before the panel board for the working space. A small cabinet that has tumblers and boxes can be found near the 3-door fridge.

Sounds

Electronic doors opening & closing
Dishes & glasses clanging
Coffee machine sounds
Register and EFTPOS machine beeping
Chewing food

Smells

Coffee aroma
Cooking foods
Chlorine (low)
Sanitisers
Air conditioning

Feel

Close proximity to others
Eating & swallowing
Elevated people (mezzanine level)
Anxiety (human interaction)
Hungry & thirsty

Sight

Natural lighting
Tables & chairs
People sitting, eating & drinking
High ceiling
Neutral colours

Aquatic Centre at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Moving from reception through the electronic turnstiles opens to an expansive indoor aquatic facility. A series of tables and chairs with yellow or blue umbrellas create a light summer feel. Changerooms are situated to the left and a Warm Water Pool/Spa/Steam Room is to the right.

Directly beyond the tables and chairs are a Learn to Swim Pool, Kids Waterslides and Splash play zone & an 8-lane 50m pool. There is a dramatic temperature change from the entrance to the pool deck (humidity is noticeable).

A series of blue tables and white chairs with yellow or blue umbrellas create a light summery feel inside the aquatic facility of Yawa Aquatic Centre. On the left side are the Change rooms, which can be identified by the varied colors of the tile wall. This section of the facility has a granite floor with a curvy ceiling with large circular fluorescent lights. There is a pool at the back with metal benches on the side. A black wall next to the pool is noticeable from this position.

Learn to swim pool Yawa Aquatic Centre. The facility has dome-like roofing with natural light filtering through the focal point of the roof. The pool has a staircase with metal handrails. Each lane has a black signboard at the starting point and is separated by white and blue floating lane ropes. Aside from the metal benches, there are white chairs with back support available close to the pool. The yellow and blue umbrellas can be seen at the back.

The Kids Waterslides and Splash play zone at Yawa Aquatic Centre. It has a beach theme with artificial coconut trees. Water splashing from different tubes placed within the pool and green, blue, and yellow slides will surely attract kids to play. Access to the slides is through the stairs at the back and front.

Side view of the Learn to Swim pool at Yawa Aquatic Centre. On the left is the pool ladder marked by a curvy metal structure at the edge of the pool. The facility has dome-like roofing with natural light filtering through the focal point of the roof. The pool has a staircase with metal handrails. Each lane has a black signboard at the starting point and is separated by white and blue floating lane ropes. A black wall next to the pool separates the Kid's Waterslides and Splash Zone.

Sounds

Splashing & running water
People talking & laughing
Instructions from coaches & life guards
Occasional shouting
Echo

Smells

Chlorine (strong)
Cleaning products
Wet/damp clothes
Soap & toiletries (bathroom)

Feel

Wet & being splashed
Elevated heart rate
Floating
Excitement
Temperature change (humidity)

Sight

Natural sky lighting
Contrasting colours
Splashing & running water
People swimming & playing
Life guards wearing red & yellow uniform

Warm Water Pool/Spa/Steam Room at Yawa Aquatic Centre

The warm water pool, spa, steam room, and sauna facilities at Yawa Aquatic Centre are direct to the right when entering the Aquatic Centre. Here, visitors can enjoy specialist health benefits or “chill out” in a most serene and beautiful aquatic environment.

With an access ramp and hoist, this facility is aimed to older generations, in particular, those looking for a bit of “me” time. An enclosed pool overlooks the main aquatic centre with three-storey high glassed walls and contrasting colours.

A yellow umbrella with blue tables and white chairs creates a light summery feel inside the aquatic facility of Yawa Aquatic Centre. This section of the facility has a granite floor with a curvy ceiling with large circular fluorescent lights. On the right side of the glass wall is a roll of fire hose and two rubbish bins with a unique design.

Warm water pool at Yawa Aquatic Centre. It has an entrance ramp with metal handrails for persons with mobility disabilities. At the back is a white hoist located on a rectangular section connected to the pool. There are benches and chairs accessible around the granite floor. Yellow self-inflating platforms can be found hanging on the white tiled wall at the back. Visible through the glass doors are the pools in the facility.

There are stairs leading into the warm water pool directly opposite the ramp entrance. The glass walls have unique cross frames. This position has a view of the series of chairs and tables close to the change room and the learn-to-swim pool through the glass walls. Lights coming from artificial light bulbs are reflected on the pool water. There is a brown tile that separates the pool from the granite floor.

Stairs leading to the rectangular spa connected to the warm water pool. The steps have blue stripes on their edges. On the left side is a white pool hoist with a grey seat. Black chairs and benches can be seen on the sides and near the accessible bathrooms. The second floor is identifiable through the glass windows with black metal frames. Different pool warning signs can be found on one of the structural posts in this facility.

Sounds

Talking (low level)
Splashing water (low level)
Safety instructions
Echo
Bubbles

Smells

Chlorine (strong)
Humidity
Essential oils (spa)
Wet/damp clothes

Feel

Slow & calm environment
Moderate heart rate
Shared personal space
Wet
Elevated body temperature

Sight

People relaxing
Mid level lighting
Reflections
People swimming

Accessible Equipment at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Yawa Aquatic Centre features a Changing Places Facility along with multiple accessible changing rooms and bathrooms. The accessible change room includes a toilet with hand grabs, a shower, a bench, and a hand basin.

Pool accessibility equipment includes a gradual stairs and ramp with handrails entry to the warm-water program pool and a 50m / 25m pool. A portable pool entry hoist is also provided. Additionally, a lift is available for accessing the Health Club on Level 1.

The pool features steps with handrails and colourful floating ropes. A hoist is positioned on the pool deck on the right. Blue triangle banners hang across the pool. Tiered seating is on the right. Adjacent to the pool are signages for accessible toilets. The ceiling features exposed metal beams with large aircon vents and light fixtures. Reminder posters are affixed to the wall.

The pool features a ramp with handrails. Chairs are set against the wall to the left. The accessible toilet is located on the left, with signage affixed to the wall. The pool deck is lined with a pool overflow grid parallel to the ramp. The walls on the right are made of glass with large metal beams and light fixtures. Reminder posters are affixed to the wall.

The pool features a ramp with handrails. The pool deck is lined with a pool overflow grid parallel to the ramp. Chairs are set against the wall to the right.

An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water. A blue water slide with a yellow entrance is positioned to the left, partially visible. The pool has a raised area to the right with a round, wading pool section separated by a red rope divider. Stainless steel railings lead into the shallow end of the pool. Surrounding the pool are glass-paneled walls allowing a view of the trees outside. Safety posters are affixed to the wall.

Sounds

Flushing toilet
Running water
Echo
Hand dryers
Water splashing

Smells

Chlorine
Bathroom odours (maybe noticeable)
Cleaning products
Soap & toiletries (bathroom)
Deodorants & perfumes

Feel

Bowel & bladder movements
Touching surfaces & equipment
Wet (when in water)
Relief (when in bathroom)

Sight

Reflections
Bright lights/glare
Water
People swimming
People changing clothes

First Floor at Yawa Aquatic Centre

The first floor is accessible either by stairs with handrails or by a lift. In this area, bathrooms, changing rooms, and lockers are conveniently located near the Cycle Studio and the Reformer Pilates Studio, both of which are to the right of the lift. Seating areas are also provided in the lobby and locker area. The room boasts timber floors and a white ceiling with a slit design.

Female and male change rooms on the first floor at Yawa Aquatic Centre. The floor here is also made of ash hardwood and has white tiled walls. The corridor leading to the change room however has a light green wall with a small brown portion on the bottom. There are red and orange, flat sofa chairs and green armchairs.

Cycle studio at Yawa Aquatic Centre. On the right is an orange flat sofa chair and a green armchair. The studio can be distinguished by the black circular sign board containing “Cycle studio” on the right glass door and the bicycles visible through the glass. Similar to the ground floor, this has an ash hardwood floor with a ceiling having small aesthetic holes as the design.

Locker area at Yawa Aquatic Centre. Each locker has designated numbers on top and below. This has an overlooking view of the Elements Eatery on the ground floor as seen by the jelly-like lighting hanging on the ceiling. There are also orange and red sofa chairs that have irregular shapes and green armchairs with black coffee tables. The seating area has a grey finish.

Sounds

Instructions from coaches
Music
Banging & clanging of gym equipment
Heavy breathing

Smells

Sporting ointments
Body odours (close proximity)
Chlorine smells (faint)
Cleaning products

Feel

Changing floor surfaces
Close proximity to others
Elevated body temperature
Sweating

Sight

Contrasting colours
Filtered natural light
Brown timber floors
Gym equipment
People exercising vigorously

Gymnasium at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Access to the gym on the first floor is through automatic glass sliding doors that open into the Cardio Zone, which houses over 30 pieces of cardio and strength resistance equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, press machines, Smith machines, stationary bikes, and more.

Additionally, there is a separate area designated for classes. The flooring transitions from timber to rubber and then to carpet, creating a varied tactile experience. The space is expansive and well-lit, with a combination of natural light streaming through skylights and artificial illumination from downlights and strip lights.

To the right of the staircase is the Gymnasium at Yawa Aquatic Centre. It can be distinguished by a black circular signboard on the left glass door which contains the word “Gym”. This facility also has an ash-hardwood floor and a white ceiling with aesthetic holes. Seen through the glass doors are different pieces of equipment for exercise and a number of potted plants just beside the entry pathway.

Inside look at the Gymnasium at Yawa Aquatic Centre. It has industrial roofing frames that are a combination of wood and metal usually found in barns or farms. There is a long string of artificial light that is a meter away from the head of gym goers. A large portion of the middle floor space is painted in grey while the remaining are still ash hardwood. The gymnasium has treadmills, black adjustable professional gym benches, a multi-functional squat power rack, and more.

There is also a Skierge rowing machine, gym balls, curve treadmills, kettlebell swing, and exercise bikes inside the gym at Yawa Aquatic Centre. This section has a grey rubber mat floor. The industrial roofing frames that are a combination of wood and metal are usually found in barns or farms and the long string of artificial light connected to the opposite wall can be seen in this image.

A closer look at the floor inside the gym at Yawa Aquatic Centre. There is a television mounted on the wall that keeps the gym members entertained while doing their exercises. There is enough space for people to walk and move all around the facility. Compared to the rubber mat floor in the previous image, the middle section is painted entirely black and looks smooth on the surface.

Sounds

Heavy breathing
Banging & clanging of weights
Music
Sounds from exercise machines
Occasional shouting

Smells

Body odours
Sporting ointments
Cleaning/sanitising products
Air conditioning
Rubber/carpet

Feel

Close proximity to others
Heavy equipment
Elevated body temperature
Sore muscles
Fatigue

Sight

Fluorescent lights + natural lighting
Gym equipment
Neutral colours
High ceilings
People exercising vigourously

School's Entrance at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Access to the Schools Entrance to Yawa Aquatic Centre is via a service lane that can be accessed via the car park or Boneo Road. Visitors can park in the Centres car park, whilst buses and vans can park in the bus lane and walk around the side of the building.

The doors are manual, outward opening, however staff are available to assist. Upon entering, there are male and female toilets and change rooms immediately on the left and right, whilst straight ahead is the 50 metre pool. There is a slight incline ramp that guides visitors to the entrance.

A partial view of a building with a grey concrete facade with a glass door with a black arched metal canopy. The foreground features a concrete ramp with metal railings, leading to the doors. The floor is covered in light and dark grey-speckled tiles. Wild grass is visible on the left.

On the left, there is a black metal fence running parallel to a grey concrete pavement. In the background, a modern building with dark and light grey panels, and curved features, is visible. To the right, the fence continues with greenery peeking over. In the foreground, the pavement extends and turns slightly towards the building.

To the left, a black metal fence aligns with a concrete pathway bordered by metal handrails. On the right, a tarmac car park stretches into the distance. Adjacent to the car park is a concrete ramp with handrails leading towards the building. The modern structure boasts curved metal panels and large windows. Trees provide a backdrop in the background.

A modern building entrance featuring double glass doors with metal handles, flanked by black, perforated metal panels. The structure is complemented by a black metal framework and is well-lit by natural light. The paving is a textured grey surface.

Sounds

External weather conditions (e.g. wind)
Trees rustling
Flags fluttering
Vehicles moving
Tradesmen working (occasional)

Smells

Coastal air
Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
Natural environment
Cleaning products (upon entering)
Chlorine (upon entering)

Feel

External weather conditions
Bitumen & tiled floor surfaces
Anticipation & excitement
Temperature change (upon entry)

Sight

Reflections & glare
Tall trees
External weather conditions (e.g. sun)
Vehicles (parked & moving)
Pedestrians & tradesmen

School Programs at Yawa Aquatic Centre

Once students are inside, they will sit in the grandstands and wait for the ASO to assist them to their designated lane in the learn-to-swim pool. On the first day, students will be assigned to their new colour groups. After finishing their lesson, they will proceed to the change rooms to get changed, then line up at the door to board the bus.

On the second day, students will sit in the grandstands with their coloured group. On the final day, they will participate in a water safety session, wearing their clothes and life jackets in the deep 50 pool. Their swim instructors will be wearing black wetsuits with Yawa logos.