Woollahra Councillors to propose swimming pool pop-ups over summer

By JUSTIN COOPER

In anticipating a dry and hot summer, Woollahra councillors have proposed recreational swimming pop-ups to be installed at parks and sport fields to accommodate community demand.

An upcoming notice of motion requests that the council investigate pop-up swimming pool opportunities, to help ease congestion around popular beaches and swimming areas.

To be introduced by Cr Harriet Price at the Woollahra Municipal Council meeting on Monday night, she says the plan will “help keep the community cool.”

Concern follows beach congestion

Posting the plan to social media, Cr Price expresses concerns around local beaches over the summer as people flock to swimming spaces.

Noting the “traffic congestion, parking problems and amenity impacts” which will fall on to locations, including Camp Cove in Watson Bay, Cr Price explains the need for additional alternatives for swimming opportunities.

“With record high winter temperatures, summer looks likely to be long and hot, so I’m seeking to explore opportunities to install swimming ‘pop-ups’ and water fun activities,” said Cr Price.

Within the notice of motion by Cr Price and Cr Luise Elsing, they acknowledge the popularity of swimming in the community and the “knock on” impacts from Nielsen Park closures.

The motion requests council and relevant stakeholders access provisions of “temporary play facilities” located within playing fields, parks or foreshore beaches.

Council to explore opportunities

Similar facilities have been seen throughout Sydney, with the motion pointing out the pop-up swimming pool and recreation area in Prospect earlier this year.

The past pop-up was a part of Sydney Water’s Urban Plunge program which aims to provide recreational swimming facilities in waterways.

Urban Plunge is pointed out as a potential group for council to collaborate with, in providing additional facilities over the summer period.

Over the next 12 months Woollahra Council are to conduct a feasibility report, investigating new swimming areas due to current and anticipated restrictions of local swimming facilities.

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park has been closed due to ongoing renovations since early last year, which has caused many other beaches within the area to be congested.

Parsley Bay, which typically attracts residents and visitors during the summer, is expect to be under construction from early 2024 due the installation of a pump station.

With the popularity of swimming from residents in the area, recreational swim facilities are highly sought after within the LGA.

The feasibility report and additional swimming options are not expected before summer begins this year.

The council will debate and vote on the pop-up opportunity at council’s meeting on Monday night.