Media Release Friday 19 June 2026

PARC Adding Healthy Life Years to Frankston

New survey confirms PARC is much more than a pool or gym

New research from Peninsula Leisure has revealed that Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) members view PARC as an essential part of their lives, supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection and contributing to long term quality of life.

The findings come from PARC’s April 2026 Outcomes Survey, completed by 419 respondents and led by Dr Carleigh Yeomans from Swinburne University’s Sport Innovation Research Group. The research explored the broader health, wellbeing and social outcomes generated through participation at PARC, providing valuable insights into the role community recreation facilities play in improving community wellbeing.

“The purpose of this research was to better understand the real world impact community recreation facilities, like PARC, have on people’s lives,” Dr Yeomans said.

“While participation numbers are important, they only tell part of the story. This research helps us understand the health, wellbeing and social outcomes people experience through regular engagement with PARC, and the value these facilities create for individuals and the wider community.”

The results paint a clear picture: PARC is contributing to healthier lives and helping add “healthy life years” to the Frankston community, as described by one survey participant.

Members reported their primary motivations for attending PARC were improving mental wellbeing, feeling better physically and emotionally, and building strength. These findings align with AUSactive’s 2025-26 Fitness Trends Report, which highlights a growing shift towards holistic health and mental wellbeing.

The survey also found that PARC members experience stronger health outcomes, greater lifestyle satisfaction and a stronger sense of belonging, when compared to all metrics for casual facility users. Notably, PARC members who completed the survey have a higher subjective wellbeing than the Australian population average.

Peninsula Leisure CEO Kath Thom said the findings reinforce the important role PARC plays as a community wellbeing and preventative health provider.

“The survey confirms what we hear from our members every day – PARC is much more than a pool or gym,” Ms Thom said.

“People come to PARC to protect their health, improve their wellbeing, manage stress, build confidence and connect with others. For many, it has become an essential part of their weekly routine and an investment in their future health.”

The research shows PARC plays a diverse role across the community, with people using the facility for everything from rehabilitation and recovery through to improving wellbeing, managing stress and connecting in a safe, welcoming environment – highlighting the many ways our community benefits from access to high quality aquatic and recreation spaces.

PARC’s fully staffed service model, qualified professionals and multi-purpose facility continue to play a critical role in helping members build healthy habits. Accountability, motivation and ongoing support were identified as key factors in achieving health and wellbeing goals.

Notably, the survey found that members continue to prioritise their PARC membership despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Rather than seeing it as a luxury expense, almost half of respondents described PARC membership as an essential component to retain when considering their discretionary spend.

“These results demonstrate the broader social value community recreation facilities deliver,” Ms Thom said.

“We are not simply providing access to a pool or gym. We are helping people live healthier, happier and more connected lives, and these findings show the impact that has across the Frankston community.”

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About Peninsula Leisure:

Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd is a wholly owned company of Frankston City Council, charged with the management of Council’s aquatic and recreation facilities, Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre, Pines Forest Aquatic Centre and Frankston Skate Park. For more information, please visit https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/

Reference:  AUSactive’s 2025-2026 Fitness Trends Report (https://ausactive.org.au/news/2025-26-fitness-trends/)