Keilor East Leisure Centre

I've been a member at EKLC for nearly a year now and whilst the facilities are great, I, along with other members have noticed, there is an issue that's is becoming progressively more common on a weekly basis. Whilst a lot of patrons are following the centers rules, too many people are exiting the sauna or steam room, full of sweat and jumping straight into the rehab pool without showering. This is quite disgusting and disturbing, not to mention the impact it has on pool hygiene. This issue could be eliminated if bigger signs were displayed and staff would police and reinforce to the offenders that they need to shower before entering the pool. Unfortunately most staff are very young and are easily intimidated making it uncomfortable for them to make people aware when they are doing the wrong thing. Management needs to address this issue make it enjoyable for everyone not just those who don't care about hygiene.

From the first swimming lessons I had as a literal baby in the 90s, KELC had held a special place in my heart for it’s wholesome community vibe and welcoming and fun facilities. My parents would come here and drop me at the crèche or pool while they did aerobics in extremely embarrassing outfits, loved the school holiday programs, going on my first ever water slide, those crazy diving platforms, cooling off on a hot day as a teenager with friends after school, swim carnivals, weekly learn to swim lessons, watching all the nonnas enjoying water aerobics, and even participating the insane school swim squads at 6am in the outdoor pool in the dead of winter. I was very sad to see the old centre demolished because of all those beautiful memories I had growing up. I worried that demolishing and rebuilding KELC would make it another victim of gentrification and that it would lose its soul. I could not have been more wrong. While the outdoor footprint and features of the new centre are certainly lacking compared to the old one, the new KELC remains the beating heart of our community. Some pros: - inclusive and accessible design features throughout the centre in both gym and aquatic areas. If you have a disability (whether physical or “invisible” like mine) you’re going to have a GREAT time! - Belgravia leisure do a great job managing the place - steam room, sauna, spa and hydrotherapy pool are cordoned off from the main area which makes it a great, quiet place to relax after (or before) a hectic day - child play area is engaging and fun for kids. It’s such a joy to watch little ones fall in love with the water. - awesome swim lesson program for all ages and levels - variety of classes in the gym to suit all levels of fitness and ability - great gym equipment and layout - friendly and genuinely caring staff who are always looking for ways to make the place even better - diverse and welcoming membership base: from nonnos in their 80s to young kids, and everyone in between. Some tradeoffs: - reduced outdoor area for sitting and swimming in summer (to be fair we were super spoiled before) - the placement and pressure of the jets in the spa could be better 🤨 - (because the facility is so genuinely great) it gets hella busy at peak times, but even when it’s busy, you’re in lovely company Overall, the new centre is a huge benefit to our community that we can be proud of in Keilor East 🥰

I came to Keilor East Leisure Centre with my partner for a swim. Although the pool services are high quality, I was disappointed to find out that the outdoor 50m pool is not open for several months of the year whilst it is cold. I think this would definitely deter several people from signing up as members, as 25m is just too small to do good quality lap swimming. Nevertheless, I’m sure that this leisure centre would be more enjoyable during the warmer months of the year.

Our local pools at Oak Park was not open so we ventured to nearby Keilor Park pools to use the kids water playground. Unfortunately the playground was closed. Kids were disappointed. However the young gentlemen behind the desk kindly gave us free entry. We used the kids indoor pool. The kids had a great time. A clean venue with very accomodating staff. It’s our first time there but it won’t be our last. See you soon!