Epping Pool: Dence Park pool plan released to mix feedback

New designs have been released for a pool’s upgrade in Sydney’s north-west. But there are fears some previously proposed features won’t be part of the final development.

New concept designs have been released of the $22.8 million upgrade of Epping Pool

New designs have been released of the multimillion-dollar upgrade of Epping Pool.

Yet some in the community are concerned that a proposed cafe, gym and kids splash area may not go ahead due to insufficient funding.

Parramatta Council has recently released the new concept designs of the proposed $22.8 million revamp which is co-funded by the NSW government.

Plans include an expanded 50-metre, eight-lane outdoor pool, a new 25-metre indoor pool and a refurbished two-storey pool amenities building at Dence Park.

It will feature additional change rooms, a dedicated first aid room, an accessible walkway from the car park and plenty more outdoor green space.

Yet a cafe, gym, toddler pool and kids splash areas which were previously proposed were not prioritised in stage one of the recent draft plan.

New concept designs have been released of the $22.8 million upgrade of Epping Pool. Picture: Supplied

According to council’s website, the water play, picnic amenities, cafe and indoor gym are “subject to future funding.”

The Save Epping Pool committee said it welcomed the designs of the new pools yet expressed concerned over the future of the kids splash areas, cafe and gym.

“Why are they delaying building the new kids splash areas? And why did they promise a cafe and gym in the Masterplan to only drop them now? Isn't it very short sighted (and potentially costly) to only do half the project now?” a group spokesman said.

“Epping deserves a proper facility for the next half a century.”

People have taken to social media saying the additional facilities were “essential.”

“What’s the point of developing a pool when it excludes so many children (by not having a splash area),” one woman said.

Another local resident, said: “It’s not family friendly to create a grass area for families without any water play or toddler pool in the initial delivery.

“Such a huge redevelopment cost to not include useful additions for the whole community to enjoy.”

Plans include an expanded 50-metre, eight-lane outdoor pool, a new 25-metre indoor pool and a refurbished two-storey pool amenities facility at Dence Park. Picture: Supplied

A Parramatta Council spokeswoman told The Northern District Times, “Council understands the importance of the children’s splash area, cafe and gym to the community and is actively seeking additional funding for these amenities.”

“Council is seeking community feedback on these elements in order to proceed to detailed design and construction as soon as possible should funding be secured.”

Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer, said: “We understand how important Epping Pool is to our community and we are working hard to make this facility even better for generations to come.

“Our Epping Pool Draft Concept Plan proposes a new and improved recreational space within Dence Park. I invite the public to have their say on the draft plan and help shape the design of Epping Pool.”

The draft concept plan is on public exhibition until December 7. Click here to have your say.

Construction is set to start in 2022 with completion in 2023.