Back to the Future: Historic Parramatta River Swim Spot to Be Reopened After 52 Years

“This is a real coup for residents who live in western Sydney and the inner west,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said. “People will no longer need to commute far outside of their area to cool off during the summer months.”

Construction on the $300,000 project will commence in January 2021 following community consultation which is currently underway.

“I am delighted we are able to reopen a much-loved swim site that some of our residents may remember from their youth,” Mayor Tsirekas said.

Bayview Park had been a popular swim site from as early as the 1930s before its closure in 1969.

Since then, local councils including the City of Canada Bay have been working with the Parramatta River Catchment Group and Sydney Water to help remediate and revitalise the river.

Sydney Water has been testing the water quality at Bayview Park as part of their Riverwatch program, with the data collected over the last 12 months indicating the site is safe for swimming. The site will continue to be monitored under the program to ensure water quality remains optimal.

“Our work is about returning a valued asset to the hundreds of thousands of people who live along the Parramatta River’s foreshore and its surrounds,” Parramatta River Catchment Group Chair Cr Mark Drury said.

“The project at Bayview Park is a testament to the hard work of many Councils and organisations to improve the water quality of the Parramatta River.”

Facilities will include a swimming safety net and outdoor shower. The City of Canada Bay is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the project including what other amenities they should consider. Feedback is open until 25 September 2020.

“We are working with the community to create an open river where residents and visitors alike can swim along our foreshore and enjoy Sydney’s most iconic waterway for the first time in generations,” Mayor Tsirekas said.

For more information on the project and to have your say, visit https://collaborate.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/bayview