Swimmers left in the cold as council puts ‘hidden gem’ on backburner

It’s a cold and wet Tuesday morning when swimmers meet at Epping Aquatic Centre – not to go for a dip but to show frustration at the disappointing closure of the much-loved facility.

The Dence Park pool, which closed in April last year in preparation for a $26.88 million upgrade, has been stuck in limbo since the City of Parramatta revealed construction costs exceeded the budget and tenders were rejected.

Kierin Ryan and James Waldron are disappointed in the ongoing closure of Epping Aquatic Centre.Credit: Janie Barrett

During a confidential section of the May 12 council meeting, Parramatta councillors voted to defer further consideration of the centre’s refurbishment until within three months of the adoption of the council’s property strategy, meaning Epping swimmers will have to wait longer to find out the pool’s future.

It would cost $1.33 million to make the facility swimmable again for one full year after it was decommissioned in 2024 and an additional $1.158 million to operate it, bringing the total cost to $2.488 million.

The council also voted to explore other possible locations for a new pool in Epping and to investigate alternative funding sources, including developer contributions, grants and sponsorships.

The decision comes after the Herald revealed that one of the options the council was considering before the meeting included reopening the pool without any planned upgrades. The news, coupled with recent photos that show the water in the 50m outdoor pool had turned green, has left many in the community “heartbroken”.

Epping Aquatic Centre has been closed since April 2024.Credit: Janie Barrett

“Everybody’s horrified… a lot of people are angry, a lot of people are really sad that what was a beautiful facility, albeit old, that people loved to see going to rack and ruin through a significant misstep by council,” said James Waldron, a long-time visitor of the pool and member of the Epping Lap Swimmers group.

City of Parramatta said it recognises the need for a modern aquatic facility in Epping, confirming “everything is on the table” when it came to getting the pool right.

“The Epping Aquatic Centre has served our community well for 65 years; however, the current facility has reached the end of its operational life and would require significant work and funding to safely reopen,” a City of Parramatta spokesperson said.

“That’s why we’re now urgently investigating various site options and funding sources that can deliver an aquatic and recreation centre that’s fit for a global city and caters to the community now and in the future.”

Epping state MP Monica Tudehope said Parramatta Council committed to the project and they “must see it through”.

Meantime, many regular swimmers are holding on to the memory of what Epping Aquatic Centre was as they cross their fingers for the future.

“There’s just a sense of serenity in being there. It’s so calm, so peaceful – it’s so separate from the hustle and bustle that’s going on in Sydney,” said Kierin Ryan. “It’s just a little hidden gem.”

The Sydney Morning Herald has opened its bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email [e-mail] with news tips.

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