Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre

It is one of the best places to relax near Doncaster. They even have an Olympic size pool our in the back. You can sit there on the grass and relax. There is ample parking. Also, spots for disability parking right out in the front. There is also a gym upstairs. Definitely fully equipped place with a lot of pools. They also do training sessions. Would highly recommend relaxing and exercising. Nice, clean, and green outside.

***Update, management reached out and wanted to discuss the issues and even offer some resolution. Was happy to discuss but after giving them all the times I was free I received no call or email response. No wonder this place is going downhill when even the manager of the place doesn't keep his word. No trust left in this place. Avoid*** This place has gone downhill fast, and the new management dont care about any of the issues that seem to be a common theme. Since they changed they dont offer online payments at all, rather you either have to pay over the phone or in person which doesnt inspire alot of confidence. Its nearly 2024 and I have been told that they cant offer this. If you need to deal with the staff its extremely hit and miss. The swimming coaches are good but the way they run the program is really hit and miss. The facilities are in desperate need of repair. The changing rooms the paint is peeling off the walls, door handles or clothes hooks are missing, life guards are more interested in talking amongst themselves. The swimming noodles they have are all mostly broken or ripped to pieces. Avoid this place if you can, they only care about taking your money and are not interested to be a place where you feel valued or feel like you want to attend. Some of the reception staff are great but sadly this doesnt travel up the chain as management have no care no responsibility to any interactions with the members. You can clearly see that people are leaving this place as its getting quieter every time and the same issues seems to be happening to other parents that I speak to that have also left or are about to. Lastly if you have the unfortunate experience of dealing with Liam ask to deal with someone else, he is by far the most rude, unprofessional and arrogant person I have ever dealt with and does not care about anything you have to say. I would have gladly kept going to this place with the previous owners, however the new owners have completely ruined this by an extremely poor transition period, endless payment issues, lack of empathy or concern for the members of this complex and hit and miss swimming classes.

Our experience at this aquatic center has consistently been less than stellar, but today's visit has prompted me to share our concerns. The reception staff seem to have misplaced their smiles, regardless of whether it's Belgravia Leisure or any other aligned leisure management in charge. It feels like a trickle-down effect, and unfortunately, it's not a positive one. This venue, owned by Manningham Council, appears to have its fair share of issues, ranging from low-level to high-level corruption involving parking officers to management staff. The staff's demeanor is questionable, as if they expect you to approach them with a knife. Swim teachers are juggling more than they should during a 30-minute class—six or more students, chatting with colleagues, and managing changeovers. It raises concerns about how much actual practice time kids are getting in that short span. The inappropriate behavior of some older adults walking naked in the male toilets, exposing themselves to children changing or using the facilities, is disturbing and unacceptable. Membership suspension comes at a cost of $5 per week, with no clear explanation from the staff. Even when members provide months' notice, there seems to be a lack of clarity. The parking lot, allegedly filled with staff vehicles, further adds to the frustrations. Cleanliness is an issue, and the recent decision to cut lifeguards is alarming. Parents are left feeling responsible for their children's safety, even if they can't swim themselves. It's disheartening to consider what could happen in the absence of trained lifeguards. To make matters worse, it appears that the council is using tracked surveys to collect feedback, potentially as a means of retaliating against those who voice their concerns. The overall atmosphere leaves much to be desired, and it's disheartening to hope that nothing ever goes wrong in this facility.

I'd easily rate some of the group fitness instructors and classes a 10/10. They're the reason I've continued my membership at Aquarena. However, the vibes that the new management has brought to the centre are very disappointing. Shocking communication, poor customer service at reception, ridiculous music level restrictions, and as a class attendee, I feel like I'm being watched like a hawk when more than one staff member walks past to do a number count. STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE WRONG THINGS. It's not a pleasant experience. The whole reason we come is to get fit, make friends, enjoy the music, and try to achieve our health and fitness goals. They treat us like they pay us, not the other way around lol.