When the Romans were the dominant force on the planet, the strongest and most manly amoung them…read morebattled in the gladitorial ring of the Coleseum. Today men equal to those of yore battle for supremacy at MARS and long shall they be remembered in the pages of history. I play Basketball and Mixed Netball at MARS Sporting Complex in Marden. What makes this a good venue? Well firstly it is pretty close to where I live, which shortens the stank that seeps into the car seats. The three wooden floored courts are sprung and there is plenty of space to the sides of all courts, which can be a problem at some venue's (walls leave big bruises). The other thing that I like is the umpires, in particular the head netball umpire who is a champ. I think a place where the umpires take the time to get to know you is one you should keep going back to, as I have been for 15 years! One big negative is that when it is hot outside it is STUPIDLY hot inside! The aircon only encompasses the front canteen and upstairs Gym, and the 5 or 6 fans just don't cut the mustard. As mentioned, other than the three courts there is also a full gym (with classes etc) and an indoor rock climbing wall. The canteen/bar does not serve alcohol (it used to) which is a right bummer! Also keep in mind that parking can be tight on the occasions that the neighbouring soccer club has training as they choose to park in the gym parking rather than their own. P.S. the times listed are office hours, but the social games start as late as 10:30 on some evenings.

A multi-faceted sports activity/leisure facility. I've been playing ball here for years…read more It gets too hot in summer and too cold in winter but these are great excuses to forget the weather and just run around. The gym upstairs, although I've never been a member, is 24 hours and accessible from its own entrance way on the side of the building. Admittedly, sometimes the staff could use a little more training in hospitality/customer service, but it's not really a place you go to get ultra high service. There are plenty of drinks and bites to eat at the kiosk, the guys running the comps always get the schedules up online in time but sometimes they get it a little wrong (they do take over the phone enquiries). If you've got a few mates that wanna chuck the ball round on a weeknight/weekend, and at least one of you can organise you all to show up each week, get in and give Mars a go. It's a sweaty fun time!

The ARC at Campbelltown is a community recreation centre offering a gymnasium, cafe, two swimming…read morepools for lessons, recreation and kids fun, a number of courts for many sports as well as conference facilities. A recent complete overhaul/rebuild has resulted in an impressive building, both inside and outside, with some common sense decor, lots of light and glass, and a feeling of space. The common areas have some very comfortable seating, kind of in shapes of jig saw pieces, which aren't bolted to the floor so you can move them together or apart depending on whom you're sitting with. Upstairs, with seating overlooking the courts, there are three sitting levels or rather three carpeted steps allowing for some comfortable and complete viewing. We came for the Murder City Roller Girls bout between the Dames and Valkyire. My kids have never seen roller derby and were rather confused but I like to expose them to a bit of everything and it was an enjoyable Sunday evening outing. Their foundation memberships start at just under $14 per week which also makes them great value and competitive with all gyms even though they offer so much more.

Relaxed affordable gym with excellent opening hours and great classes. Hoping that it doesn't close…read morein Feb-petition's signed!

Certainly not as glam as other Adelaide pools, but this one has everything you could ask for from a…read morepublic outside swim centre: wasps, a kiosk, a kiddy pool, lifeguards, and of course, a lot of people wearing speedo's and bikinis who really really shouldn't be. The best thing about Payneham Pool is that you can almost always get a lane to yourself for lap swimming (as long as you don't go during swim carnivals obviously), I like being able to rock up at my leisure and have a lane of my own. This place has enough room for kids and adults to swim and have a good day without fearing for their lives: this is not so much the case at the big leisure centres that are packed with madness and slides. The staff here are really nice (as you don't dive over the lane ropes, don't do that), and there's heaps of shaded grass areas to hang out in. It's a beautiful day and a nice relaxed vibe, dive on in.

Local northeast swimming centre with 3 different sized pools, 1 for the toddlers, 1 medium waist…read moredeep pool and one 50m pool with diving blocks and lanes. I have had heaps of summer holiday days here with friends where the pool gives out fun equipment like inner tubes, beach balls, volleyball nets and floating mats. It's not too busy usually, and there is plenty of outside grass area with some benches to chill out. But bring the sunscreen because there isn't much shade. Now that the aquatic centre had been improved, as well as Marion swimming centre with watersides and more pools etc, payneham doesn't receive much attention, and it could use some upgrading itself.

About time SA had an Olympic sized pool! The impressive and unusual structure from the outside is…read morejust as great on the inside with an airy, spacious, clean and still with a whiff of newness environment. The complex contains many areas such as a health club, creche, shop, etc and the pool itself runs various programs and activities to suit all ages. If this is your thing and you enjoy keeping fit plus live close by then membership is probably the way to go and save some money. Families can join also but be aware the water slides are not included and will cost two dollars to go on each time, so this is one part which will add up quickly! Otherwise, the casual entry fee is reasonable for a brand new complex and if you won't be an active participant there is a $2.50 spectator entry fee. All in all a great complex operated by the YMCA. P.S Despite it being new and all, it is not immune to renegade bandaids, so if you're a bit squeamish best to wear thongs!

This is the very definition of a swimming centre, far above a simple community pool…read more It consists of multiple areas with multiple pools. Suitable for families, classes, individuals. As an indoor heated pool no time of year can you use the excuse it's 'too cold'. Slides and playgrounds are targets for children and young families, and there are slow and medium lap lanes for those wanting gentle fitness. There are also dive pools though they were not dared by the cowardly reviewer. The cafe at the front serve a selection if foods more than suitable for lunch at competitive prices, though the coffee is not something I'd get a second time. Plenty of yellow shirted lifesavers patrol giving you a sense that they take your safety seriously.

Beautiful heritage hall at the rear of St Cyprian's Anglican Church; it is owned by the Anglican…read morechurch and can be hired out from them. Contact the church elders. Originally a Sunday School, it was established in what historically is called Lower North Adelaide (and has been considered the poor part of the district) and dedicated on 27 April 1851. In 1872, the present site of St Cyprian's was purchased and 10 years later the foundation stone laid. Called the Mission School Church it was inaugurated on 11 February 1883 by Bishop Kennion. Now it stands a quiet little reminder of the simplicity and tough life led by children of the time.

Helen, the driving force behind Marleston, is a netball missionary. She may have even invented her…read moreown sport, leagueball. In any case, Marleston is the home of leagueball, a confusing version of netball designed to speed up the game and weed out the weins who can't keep up. Helen and the volunteers go way over and above to create a happening sports club that's like a big netball family. Lighted outdoor courts. Patient umpires. Double the necessary parking. Womens netball is played Monday nights, mixed on Tuesdays. Call to enquire about leagueball, although perhaps stick to netball first. The clubhouse is like a log cabin with a bar and a canteen. I could see it as a good venue to hire for parties as you could make as much noise as you like without disturbing anyone. My favourite part of playing netball is having your nails checked. And as Helen says, "you can play netball in sports gloves, no need to shorten your nails." I'll have to try that sometime.