The Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre reopens to the public on Saturday, May 31, about 11 weeks after it closed completely for the final stages of the $14 million upgrade.

An official opening ceremony for invited guests will be held on Thursday, May 28, at which 12-year-old Christopher Hall will be the first down the new water slide.

Albany Mayor Milton Evans said the centre would open its doors to the public at 8am on Saturday, May 31, offering free entry for the day until closing time at 5pm.

“Everyone is welcome to take advantage of the open day to have a look at the new facilities,” Mr Evans said.

“Visitors can have a swim, try out the water slide and the rapid river run.

“There is a gym room to explore, an aerobics hall, meeting rooms and a new crèche, and the café will be open for business.

“Better climbing facilities will be available to try, and sport demonstrations will be held all day.It is an exciting time for Albany and visitors to the centre are bound to be impressed.”

Entry to the upgraded centre is via the promenade at the creek crossing at the south-east car park, to the right at the end of Barker Road.

Children under five cannot ride the water slide and must be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times within the centre.

Children under 16 are not permitted to use the gymnasium facilities.

The long-awaited opening of the redeveloped centre was delayed, after pool decking needed to be replaced at the last minute in April, after running on time for more than 14 months.

ALAC’s pool closure forced learn-to-swim classes to be transferred to the city’s beaches.

The first fixtures of the 2008 netball season were shifted to Mt Barker.