First Open Day at Healthways on Sunday, Aug 22nd

(click to enlarge map)

Update: Times changed from 7-10pm to 7:30-10:30pm 

One of the reasons Solar West got involved with the recent Bowling Night was to see what the reaction to the pool at Healthways would be. We had been looking for a possible venue to hold extra Open Days at since ConFab's problems with their Collingwood venue started. What we found however was that almost all centres in Melbourne simply refused to consider bookings once they heard the "N" word (ConFab had to go to Castlemaine to find a nudist-friendly venue). Healthways however were brave enough to not only take a booking, but to do so during times they were open to the public (they close at 9pm)!

At that Bowling Night, we evaluated the facilities, asked people what they thought of the place, and gauged managements' reaction to the whole idea. What we found was that the pool, which was recently converted to Salt Water, was warm and pleasant, even on a freezing June night. At a shallowish 1.2m and 18m length, it was adequate for swimming, but perfect for lounging about conversing, much like the warm water excercise pool at Maribyrnong. The pool deck was large enough for not one, but two masseurs to set up. The lack of a sauna didn't seem to upset too many people, though not having a spa was a worry to some. Sharing the change rooms and toilets with the general public wasn't a disaster as feared. And neither the public nor the management freaked out at our being there au'naturel.

Therefore, we decided to book the venue on a trial basis for Open Days in August and September, with an eye towards a more permanent arrangement. Since these two months have neither 5th Saturdays nor long weekends in them, we've been unable to hold Open Days at Maribyrnong, and the resulting 3 month gap has been a problem. We are trying to close that gap, albeit on a Sunday rather than Saturday.

At this stage we have a confirmed booking for August, and a tentative one for September. We will confirm that night once we see what attendance we get to the first one, and make an announcement on the night. If both nights are well attended, we will then book the venue for additional nights throughout the year. We may not be able to make up for the twenty-odd nights ConFab used to hold, but perhaps we can hold a monthly event.

Your support will determine if these nights will continue past the first one. Please spread the word about this event as far and wide as possible. Being a Sunday night, we know that most families will not be able to attend, and we need to make up for their absence. Our normal arrangements will be in place for this event. Entry is a flat-rate $10 per adult, and please bring something to share for supper. We have booked the venue for three hours, 7:30-10:30pm, but this could be modified for future events if desired.

Healthways Recreation Centre
7:30pm, Sunday, Aug 22nd - don't forget to bring something to share for supper.