The long wait is over! A very large centre with a 10 lane 50m pool and many other facilities opened in September 2023 after the original site was demolished in 2017.
What Micky thinks
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Access - On site parking, 15 minute walk from Parramatta Station and 500m from bus 811,810 & T80.
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Value - $8.70 for adult, generally in the mix of others (however you need to download the PAC app for a casual pass and 2 hours free parking).
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Water quality - high standard, chlorine, clean and clear
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Amenities - Good as expected for a new facility. The café is on par with others, however I received good personalised service
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Surroundings & Experience - It's a large, somewhat austere minimalist facility with plenty of room and activities. There are some limitations for a casual swimmer such as having to register as a guest to get access (card payment only)
In a nut shell
This was a mixed experience. This will be a great facility for the Parramatta area as there is significant pool space, however I found it complex to sign up just for one casual swim and to get free parking. Some room to improve the triage of customers. The general aesthetics of the pool surroundings look basic considering the $88m spend. For the serious swimmer it will be a good location to knock out some laps and move on with the day.
The Pools
It’s impressive! All pools are heated and with accessible ramp entry.
There is,
- The main 50 m, 10 lane (!) outdoor pool for swim training and recreation;
- 25 m heated 8 lance pool for lap swimming, those using a pool for rehabilitation and aquatic fitness;
- Program pool ideal for learn to swim, children and infants.
- There is also a zero depth indoor splash and play area.
As this is a new facility the conditions are ideal – clean water, pristine tiles and lane ropes.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday 05.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Friday – 5.30 AM – 8.00 PM
Weekends and Public Holidays 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM
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Background
The Parramatta River was the original home of the Burramattagal people prior to colonisation.
Before any established pools between 1904 – 1932 there we a number of swimming locations on the Parramatta River.
As Sydney expanded and swimming continued to become more popular discussions about a swimming pool in Parramatta started in Council as early as 1944, eventually a public meeting in 1956 gave further support to give residents in western Sydney their own Olympic pool.
The War Memorial Swimming Centre in Parramatta Park opened in 1959 with a 5,000 strong crowd.
Have look at this 1950’s colour film of the opening and costume parade in a more innocent time!
This facility included a 50 m, diving and babies pool set in the grounds of Parramatta Park, later refurbished in 2008.
The pool was a staple for lap swimmers and for families particularly on hot summer days for the residents of western Sydney for almost 60 years.
The Demolition
In a controversial move in March 2017 the pool was closed to be demolished to make space for the new Western Sydney Stadium. There was significant backlash from the community; more than 30 schools used the centre for learn to swim and it was the home of the Parramatta War Memorial Pool Swim Club.
The Save Parramatta Pool action group started to object to the closure. One argument from a resident’s action group was for the pool to exist with the new stadium. Many different groups started Facebook pages to lobby the state government to reconsider this decision which left the community without a pool for over 5 years.
The action from residents did not deter the state government in their decision to close the pool to make way for the new stadium no swimming pool was available until the new $88.6 million facility was opened on 25th September 2023.
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