Orion Lagoon Archives - Springfield Lakes

Free Aqua Fitness Draws Crowds to Orion Lagoon at Springfield Lakes

Want a refreshing way to get fit? Experience the buzz at Orion Lagoon! The free aqua aerobics program is now making waves, with many people already loving the accessible exercise, demonstrating a strong community interest in accessible exercise.

Community Engagement and Program Details

Free Aqua Fitness Draws Crowds to Orion Lagoon at Springfield Lakes — *Photo Credit:* *Orion Lagoon/ Facebook*

The Ipswich City Council has expanded its Active and Healthy Program to include weekly aqua fitness sessions at the popular Orion Lagoon. This initiative aims to provide residents of all ages and abilities with a low-impact exercise option. The program’s rapid growth from 40 participants in its first week to 120 in the second indicates its significant appeal.

Council representatives state that the program builds on the success of similar aqua fitness classes held at other council pools in Goodna, Bundamba, and Leichhardt. They emphasise the importance of sport and recreation in fostering a healthy and connected community.

Orion Lagoon’s Features and Accessibility

Orion Lagoon, located within Orion Springfield Central and the Robelle Domain parklands, offers a range of interconnected pools designed to cater to diverse age groups and swimming abilities. The lagoon features shallow pools suitable for toddlers, deeper sections for more experienced swimmers, and areas with interactive water features.

The facility operates with seasonal opening hours: from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during summer (September to April) and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during winter (April to August). Adults must actively supervise children under 13 at all times, and security personnel are present on-site. The lagoon provides amenities such as lockers, shaded areas, and a barbecue pavilion, with nearby cafes and dining options. Permitted flotation devices are limited to small kickboards and child flotation aids.

Feedback and Impact

Council representatives have reported receiving positive feedback from attendees, noting the diverse range of participants, including mothers with young children, elderly citizens, and those new to water-based activities.

The program is part of a broader initiative registering over 8,000 Ipswich residents. It offers a variety of free and low-cost physical fitness and wellness classes. The council states that the program aims to improve health outcomes while bringing the community together.

Published Date 12-March-2025

Little Lifesavers Returns to Orion Lagoon: A Fun Way to Learn Lifesaving Skills!

If you’re searching for an activity that’s both fun and valuable for your kids, Surf Life Saving Queensland has the perfect program for you! Little Lifesavers is making a splash once again at Orion Lagoon, Springfield.

Read: Springfield Lakes Ready for Community Fun Run

This exciting program is designed to boost your child’s confidence in the water while teaching essential lifesaving skills through a variety of engaging activities.

Program Details

Dates: Sundays 16 and 23 February, and 2, 9, and 16 March
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (sign-on starts at 7:45 AM)
Location: Orion Lagoon, Springfield
Ages: 5 to 12 years

Key Lessons and Activities

Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland/ lifesaving.com.au

Little Lifesavers offers a comprehensive program filled with practical water safety and rescue techniques. Participants will engage in the following:

Water Safety Presentation: Covers essential topics such as flags, signs, sun safety, rips, signalling for help, lifesavers, rescue equipment, and inland waterways.
Water Skills: Includes wading, dolphin diving, floating, underwater skills, and survival techniques.
Rescues: Teaches various rescue methods like reach, throw, and tubes. Participants also learn the recovery position and gain awareness of CPR.
Board Paddling: Focuses on board paddling techniques and executing board rescues effectively.
Flags: Features traditional beach flags alongside a modified version played in the water.
Beach Activities: Incorporates obstacle courses, beach sprints, relays, and team-building exercises.

Why Choose Little Lifesavers?

Little Lifesavers is an engaging way for kids aged 5 to 12 to build water safety awareness and teamwork while having a blast. It’s the ideal program to ensure your child gains confidence in the water while making new friends and enjoying outdoor activities.

What’s Included in the Program?

Here’s what you can expect:

Rash Shirt: New participants will need to purchase a long-sleeved Little Lifesavers rash shirt for the program. Returning participants can reuse their existing shirts or opt to buy a new one.
Little Lifesavers Pack: First-time participants will receive a backpack, water bottle, and activity booklet.
Completion Certificate: Each child will be awarded a certificate upon completing the program—a proud memento of their hard work.
BBQ Lunch: On the final day, enjoy a celebratory BBQ featuring sausages on bread and Zooper Doopers for all participants.

Why It Matters

Water safety is a critical skill, especially in a country like Australia, where water activities are a big part of life. Swimming also holds a special place in Australia as the nation’s most successful Olympic sport. With the country’s vast 34,000-kilometer coastline, it’s no surprise that swimming plays a significant role in the lives of many children.

However, the enjoyment of swimming relies on children having the skills to do so safely. Concerns have been raised after the Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s 2022 symposium revealed a decline in participation among children aged 8-10 in swimming programs. This trend could impact not only their safety in the water but also their ability to fully enjoy the benefits of swimming.

Little Lifesavers equips kids with the confidence and know-how they need to stay safe while enjoying the water. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new friends and create lasting memories.

Read: Play, Fitness, and Heritage: Inside the Reimagined RJ Richardson Park in Goodna

How to Get Involved

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! For more information and to register your child, visit Surf Life Saving Queensland’s website. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early.

Published 21-January-2025

Take a Plunge into Greater Springfield’s Orion Lagoon for an Unforgettable Summer Experience

Is the summer heat taking a toll on you and your family? Well, don’t sweat it because this local water park is just waiting for you and your family to make a great, big splash!

The Orion Lagoon, a.k.a. Springfield Water Park, at the Robelle Domain parkland is deemed to be a water paradise for all. They offer various and extensive interconnected pools that are suitable for all ages. Plus, there is no longer a need for you to bring and treat your family to an expensive summer getaway because admission here is free!

Photo credit: Destination Greater Springfield / Facebook

Why not consider taking a plunge into the 50-metre lap pool, or cool off at the 600-millimetre deep sculpture pool? Toddlers may also play and do water activities at the extended part of the lagoon — having a low depth of 300 millimetres with stepping stones and water squirts that are designed for the little ones.

Providing fun is not the only priority of the lagoon. The safety of all the guests is also of paramount importance. Lifeguards at the water park are on duty at all times; however, parents or guardians of children below 13 years are advised to supervise them whilst in the water.

If you prefer to relax and unwind by simply reading a book, or by savouring good food instead of bathing and playing around the waterpark, the area also has covered picnic tables and chairs, air-conditioned cafes, and restaurants that you may want to try out.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to make unforgettable memories with your family this summer only at the Robelle Domain’s Orion Lagoon!

The Orion Lagoon is located at 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central.

Operating Hours:

Summer (1 September – 31 March): 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Winter (1 April – 31 August): 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.