Two new amenities blocks have opened up in Mona Vale just in time for summer.
A new, modern beach amenities block on Mona Vale beachfront with lifeguard observation room providing a 180-degree view of the beach and basin opened last weekend.
The modern building is sympathetic to the environment being made from raw and resilient materials to withstand the coastal environment.
The new male and female amenities include multiple toilets, shower and urinals. Each includes an ambulant cubicle, bench seats and high-class finishes, while the accessible toilet doubles as a baby change room.
The blocks architectural design allows natural ventilation and light to flood the brightly coloured interiors, incorporating quality and efficient fixtures and fittings.
Some local ladies from the 20 strong self-proclaimed women's only swimming group, known as the Buckettes, who used the previous amenities got first dibs to check out their new and improved "Shed".
“I love it! It’s amazing. It’s so bright and there is so much space. The ventilation is great and it’s nice to see the trees through the windows. We’re going to make so many new memories here,” Marilyn Love said.
“It makes you smile as soon as you walk in. And the area outside with the sandstone blocks has such a community feel. It really flows and it will be a lovely place to gather when we’re finished in the mornings. I can just see us all here sitting around and having lots of conversations,” Judith Dallas said.
Surf Live Saving CEO Steve Pearce welcomed the opening of new amenities.
“The provision of this new modern facility incorporating new amenities for our lifeguards will only enhance aquatic safety and lifeguarding capability for the Mona Vale precinct,” Mr Pearce said.
“The building has been designed with input from our lifeguards to ensure it is fit for purpose and future proof.
“This, along with the new Mona Vale and Long Reef SLSCs under construction, only reinforces the great support from Northern Beaches Council for our volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards.”
Across the road from the new beach amenities the newly built Apex Park amenities has also opened.
The park is a hive of activity on any given day with a playground the centre point for local families.
The vast open green space and shelters with bench seating also provides a great area for get togethers, picnics, riding the bike tracks, kicking a ball around, walking the dog and exercising.
The new amenities block features a unisex accessible toilet, ambulant toilet, unisex family change room with child toilet and baby change tables.
As well as its useful location, safety of its users was in the forefront consideration of its location with families with young children having to previously cross the busy Surf Road to get to the beach amenities.
As part of the work to upgrade amenities and the new surf club, a major sewer upgrade was required to update old infrastructure and connect the new buildings which will provide long term benefits to these sites.