INNER WEST TIDAL POOL SET TO MAKE A SPLASH

Located on the Iron Cove foreshore, on the edge of Lilyfield’s Callan Park, the new swim spot set to offer a spot for a dip will also benefit users of nearby parks and sports fields such as Leichhardt Oval and King George Park. This location will make sure the investment can be enjoyed by the Inner West community and beyond, including swimmers, pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and families.

"The iconic Bay Run and surrounding parklands are already a community hub for family fun, sport, relaxation and exercise, so adding a swim spot where people can cool off in summer will be the perfect addition to an already thriving public space," says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

The design of the Baths includes an accessible pathway and ramp alongside a generous fixed jetty, pontoon and shark net. Closely integrated with the surrounding parkland, the space will deliver a family oriented recreational facility and provide safe, accessible swimming for the whole community.

With years of advocacy, the approval process involved two years of extensive environmental impact research, river depth and floor quality testing. Water quality testing has been carried out since 2018 in collaboration with Sydney Water, NSW Government’s Beachwatch and the Parramatta River Catchment Group.

"This swim site is the next step in the incredible rehabilitation of the Parramatta River and will attract swimmers and families from all over the Inner West to take a dip in Callan Park," says Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne.

Greater Sydney Parklands is preparing a Callan Park Foreshore Master Plan to support integration of the swim site with the waterfront areas of Callan Park which will be shared for community consultation in the coming months. Once final approvals are in place, construction on the Callan Park Tidal Baths is expected to take around six months.