‘Beach’ planned for Lake Parramatta swimmers
Parramatta swimmers have been deprived of a pool for six years, but soon they’ll have an aquatic centre and a ‘beach’ under plans to upgrade a bushland lake.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Move over Bondi. Popular swimming spot Lake Parramatta will soon be given a $905,000 upgrade to include a “beach” with umbrellas, seating, safety access improvements and potentially a pontoon for the 50,000 visitors it attracts each year.
The proposed design includes the creation of a gentle sloping entrance to the lake, and separate steps and handrails for greater accessibility.
Umbrellas for shade and seating will be part of the beach upgrades to the lake, which Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said had been incredibly popular since it reopened for public swimming and recreation in 2015.
“Surrounded by bushland, it’s a great spot to soak up the sun and take a dip during the warmer months,’’ she said.
“I have no doubt that regular visitors to Lake Parramatta will be excited to see these upgrades.’’
The government will fund the project after providing a grant under its Places to Swim program.
Cr Davis said the changes would dramatically improve accessibility to the area, which was most popular between October and April when lifeguards were on duty.
It also means splashing around at the beach doesn’t mean a trek into the city.
“People living inland have less access to natural swimming spots than those on the coast, which is why this project will be so beneficial for the Parramatta community, especially for families and children,” Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said.
Construction is expected to start in April and be completed before next summer.
On the other side of Parramatta, the $88m Parramatta Leisure and Aquatic Centre is due to open in the second quarter of the year.
It has been a long time since swims at Parramatta after the 58-year-old War Memorial Swimming Pool shut in 2017 to make way for CommBank Stadium.
Originally published as ‘Beach’ planned for Lake Parramatta swimmers
Meth cook on hook over more charges
An unemployed Tweed man who set up a makeshift meth lab in his mum’s home could face more charges after admitting further offending in court. Here’s what happened.
Man arrested after woman’s body found
A man has been arrested after a woman’s body was found in the state’s North West during a welfare check. Here’s the latest.