Next January, Sandys Parish will become home to the Island's only public indoor swimming pool, while at the same time Sandys Secondary School will be getting its own gymnasium.

The Sandys Sport, Aquatic and Enrichment Centre — or Sandys 360 — will feature a 35-metre pool with a three-metre diving platform, along with a basketball court, an aerobics area, changing facilities and a juice bar when it opens to the public.

The facility was originally intended as an improvement to the school, but the trustees of the school saw a need in the community, and sought to fill it. With the goal of changing to fit the community instead of just the school, the facility was designed to satisfy the needs of a variety of people.

"Sandys 360 evolved out of that basic need," said the project's executive director D. Melvyn Bassett.

If the facility is successful Dr. Bassett hopes that it will become a prototype for an Island-wide programme to improve the quality of life for all Bermudians.

"This is a groundbreaking partnership between Government, community and the schools," said Mr. Bassett.

"We want to make sure everyone we can conceive of can find a use for the pool," added chairman of trustees for Sandys 360, Travis Gilbert.

The facility will be open all year round to service the community, in contrast to many existing school facilities which are closed outside school time.

"It was the vision of the trustees to have the facility available to the community year round, "said Dr. Bassett.

While the public would have to pay a 'nominal' feel to become a member at the facility and gain access to the pool, Dr. Bassett said that scholarships would be awarded to give deserving children who might not be attending Sandys Secondary school free access to the facility.

The $10 million project broke ground last year with construction ongoing, but so far only $2.5 million has been raised. The membership fees are hoped to offset these costs.

"The facility has to be paid for," said Dr. Bassett.

To help raise additional funds, the Sandys 360 foundation is organising a Wellness Day this Saturday with a number of events, including street dancing, a march and a number of "Wellness stalls".

Secretary of the foundation Valerie Dill has high hopes for the event.

"The community has really backed our project," said Mrs. Dill. "It should be really festive."

They will also begin to sell advanced pre-opening memberships, giving a discount to those who want to be ready when the doors open.

In addition to the athletic facilities, the Sandys 360 foundation also seeks to open the Sandys 360 Enrichment Centre with six classrooms, which will offer an after school programme for children and a variety of courses promoting personal development for the community.

Chairman of the Sandys 360 Foundation Walter Roberts hopes the facility is used as an example for the Island.

"We want to show that when the community works together, great things can be achieved," said Mr. Roberts.