THE scene at the Kiama Leisure Centre on Saturday will be a far cry from the 'war zone' the facility became in the early hours of February 23.
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Seven months to the day since a tornado wreaked havoc on the municipality, the facility has finally reopened.
The centre opened on Monday, however Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis will do the official honours on Saturday.
Centre manager Jenene Gilbert was excited to have the centre reopened under one roof after services were split between The Pavilion, the Jamberoo School of Arts and Oak Flats Pool.
"We had the opportunity to go to another facility and keep running to keep our members engaged in fitness activities - it was great that the council had those buildings available," she said.
"It will be amazing to open the doors and be back at our home - it's home for a lot of people."
The open day will run from 10am to 2pm, featuring pool toys, gym activities, fitness classes, free aqua, swim school activities, a jumping castle and a barbecue.
Membership deals will also be available.
i98FM's Maje Saba will broadcast from the event and the station's Street Fleet will award prizes.lw0
"It will just be a great party atmosphere to bring everybody back in, welcome everyone back to our refurbished facilities," Ms Gilbert said.
On February 23 the tornado sent debris tearing through the facility, ripping off panels, smashing glass and leaving holes in the asbestos roof, some as big as a car.
"It was almost surreal, like a war zone," Ms Gilbert said.
The exterior was repaired and the roof was replaced, but Kiama Municipal Council also gave the facility a facelift.
The bathrooms were gutted and refurbished; the basketball court was re-polished and now includes improved ventilation; flooring was replaced in the aerobics area; the gymnasium is set to receive new equipment, and the centre is now charcoal and green.
Wet weather was responsible for delays in repairs and director of Corporate and Commercial Services Chris Quigley said last week's heavy rain led to leakage around the perimeter of the building and next to the pool.
"There was some minor infiltration into a storage area and on to the new carpet in the gym," he said.
"The insurance company responded quickly and repairs have been undertaken without any significant or permanent damage occurring."
