NEW ARTWORKS BRIGHTEN UP A REOPENED RYDE AQUATIC
LEISURE CENTRE
Customers visiting the recently reopened Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre can enjoy bright new artworks
created by staff.
To ensure the health and safety of our community and limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID -19).
Council closed the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) for three months. While staff were unable to
service customers directly during this time, some used th e opportunity to undertake m aintenance to
the centre, while others were deployed to assist different teams of Council. Meanwhile, Children’s
Party Host Erin Hacke lton -Smith and Lifeguard Patrick Perlstone saw the shutdown as an ideal time
to brighten up the centre with new artworks.
First swimming lessons can be daunting for some children and Erin wanted to produce something
happy and bright to put kids at ease and create something they will remember. The mura l features a
mermaid and her sea -creature friends. Erin ‘s mother, Marina, is a swimming teacher at the centre and
incorporate s the imagery into her lessons where possible.
Patrick’s background as a scenic art ist for films, gilding, and concept design made him perfectly
placed to create an eye -catching design that reflects elements and colours found at the RALC. The
artwork, which is positioned at the far end of the pool near the entrance to the indoor stadium, spells
out S -T-A-D-I-U-M using a ran ge of imagery, from soccer balls to basketball nets, badminton
shuttlecocks and more.
Short messages related to the challenges created by the COVID -19 pandemic have been included.
such as ‘Wash hands’ and ‘Social distancing’. To add another dimension, he has also incorporated
real silver leaf into the work, which catches the sunlight and brings an extra sparkle.
City of Ryde Councillor Christopher Gordon, Chair of the Arts Advisory Committee, visited the RALC
to check out the new works.
“City of Ryde is committed to supporting the arts and local talent,” Clr Gor don said.
“These works are an incredible example of Council staff using their initiative and skills during a difficult
time to create something unique and memorable for the community to enjoy.”
The unveiling of the new artworks coincides with the resumption of swimming lessons at the RALC
from next Monday 20 July.
