RACE to open

By Bridget Brady
AFTER more than two years in the making, the $37.9 million Casey RACE will be ready to wow visitors when it opens on 13 June.
The City of Casey announced the opening date last Thursday, two days after Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino visited the aquatic centre in Cranbourne East.
Council’s director of infrastructure services Ray Butler said Casey RACE would be “fantastic fun”.
“This is going to be a great place to be,” he said.
The community is invited to attend the opening on 13 June. There will be activities and a free family fun day the next day on Sunday, 14 June. The centre, which could fit up to 1500 people, will be open for business on Monday, 15 June.
Deputy mayor Daniel Mulino said the council was very excited to finally open the doors of the state-of-the-art aquatic and leisure centre.
“Casey RACE sets the benchmark for facilities of this type with its leading edge energy and water-saving initiatives and the latest in pools and slides in the splash park area,” Cr Mulino said.
One of the highlights is a tipping bucket that holds 1.25 tonnes of water. When tipped the water sprays onto people in the pool below.
Other features include a gymnasium, sauna, spa, steam room, an Olympic-sized pool, warm water exercise pool, café and crèche.
City of Casey chief executive Mike Tyler said he expected up to 400,000 people to visit Casey RACE in its first year.
A reciprocal membership offer will come in to place when Casey RACE opens. People with a membership at Casey RACE or Casey ARC will be able to use both facilities for no extra charge.
“Together with Casey Fields, the Casey RACE will provide exceptional recreation and leisure opportunities for the Casey community to enjoy,” Cr Mulino said.