A Pool for Parramatta!
The Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre opened in 1959 with much enthusiasm. Offering a variety of water activities for everyone, generations of residents learnt to swim there. This large modern pool area was in Parramatta Park on the site where the Western Sydney Stadium now stands. In 2017, the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre was closed to make way for the construction of the Western Sydney Stadium – with the promise of a bigger and better swimming facility, here at the Parramatta Aquatic Centre.
The official opening of the 1959 War Memorial Swimming Centre attracted over 5,000 people; such was the enthusiasm. Celebrated with a parade of swimwear fashions presented by local store Murray Brothers. Speeches were followed by an exhibition of swimming featuring both established and up-and coming stars John Devitt, Ilsa and John Konrads, Julian Carroll, Joan Andrews, and Robbie Griffiths. The public were then led into the pool by Susan Costin of Baulkham Hills, a member of the Parramatta City Amateur Swimming Club, who won the privilege as part of the Pool Fund Queen competition two years earlier.
‘The ceremonies concluded with a display by marching girls to the music of the Parramatta City Band and Caledonian Pipe Band while the dignitaries had afternoon tea and the youngsters enjoyed the new facilities.’
Image credit: Parramatta Pool, Lynch, 1961,Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales