Auburn’s new pool gets the tick of approval

AS ONE pool closes, another opens — the new state-of-the-art aquatic centre in Auburn is said to be ‘worth the wait’

Ayla Agar with 4-year-old daughter Nisanur enjoying the new facilities in Auburn. Picture: Dave Swift.

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WEEKENDS spent by the pool in Auburn are once again a possibility with the $27 million redevelopment to be open for swimmers again this weekend.

The Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre will feature a 50m outdoor pool, water polo facility and water play areas alongside gym and recreation facilities — what many local residents like Ayla Agar and daughter Nisanur have been holding out for.

“I absolutely love that it’s back,” Ms Agar said.

“We live just down the road, we used to be at the pool every weekend — I remember carnivals in the grandstands and meeting up with friends here every weekend.

“It’s definitely worth the wait.”

The original shades have been adapted into the new design.

Regular visitors to the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in the past will notice plenty of similarities to the original facility built in 1959 — the grandstand and shaded seating upgraded with a special nod to the centre’s heritage.

“The splash pad and the program pool are the only additions — the rest has been adapted from the previous centre,” general manager of pool operator Belgravia Leisure, Richard McIntosh said. “The shell was here before, it was completely taken off and put back on. The pools are the same except the diving pool was converted into a water polo pool.”

The new indoor 25m pool.

He said the doors would be open for residents across the LGA, and even welcomed displaced swimmers from Parramatta.

“If its convenient for them and suits them, then absolutely,” he said.

“We’re trying to get as much of the community so if we can offer them something we’re more than happy to have them.”

“A swimming pool is a must for any community.”

Lifeguard Georgia Mirabito is excited to welcome families to the Auburn Ruth Everuss Swimming Centre.

Learn-to-swim memberships at the club have already attracted strong interest from parents in the area with a unique program to teach water safety as a longer term program compared to typical eight or twelve week programs.

“We have 500 already enrolled in our learn to swim program which is an ongoing membership as opposed to strict term lessons,” Mr McIntosh said.

“Structured over 48 weeks children learn the basics of swimming as well as water safety — how to fall into the water and get back to the side.”

A water play park will be a key drawcard for kids at the centre.

Cumberland council general manager Malcolm Ryan invited all residents to get involved in the centre.

“It’s a historic site, lots of people have made lots of memories here, including myself,” he said.

“I think the people of Auburn will embrace it tremendously, it's a much needed and high quality aquatic recreation space.

“It is open year round so families can take refuge here in summer and people can still do their laps and keep active in the cooler months.”

The pool will be open to the public on Saturday.

Pool features

• 50m outdoor pool
• 30m x 25m outdoor water polo pool
• Outdoor children’s interactive water play shaded pool
• Air-conditioned indoor 25m pool
• Family leisure pool and program pool
• New modern change rooms