PATRONS at Frankston’s new $49 million aquatic ­centre and gym have had a win with the free parking time limit increased to two hours.

But the centre’s world first AquaSphere slide, which was shut down in­definitely after two people were injured while using it, ­appears to be no closer to reopening.

The Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) board was forced by Frankston Council to increase the free parking for patrons after councillors were inundated with complaints about parking fees.

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Mayor Sandra Mayer said it was always the council’s intention for parking to be free.

“Council met with the PARC board and agreed on two hours of free car parking,” Cr Mayer said.

“Most people spend just under two hours at the ­centre. It also allows for reasonable turnover of car spaces and prevents ­people not using the centre from parking there for longer periods.”

Many PARC patrons have previously voiced anger over the parking fees.

But others believed fees were necessary to stop ­commuters from parking there all day.

The increase in the free parking time limit is due to start within days.

RELATED: Dangerous waterslide and parking fees add to woes at Frankston’s Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre

PARC chief executive Tim Gledhill said they had taken feedback, and data collated after three months’ trading, into consideration.

Mr Gledhill said the AquaSphere slide was undergoing further testing, as recommended by an independent body and endorsed by the slide manufacturer.

He said PARC management was working with the council, the manufacturer and independent testing bodies to ensure the slide reopened as soon as possible.