Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Scott Lloyd, said the re-opening is an important step for the Our Living River initiative and will re-activate Lake Parramatta as a must-visit destination in Sydney.
“The Lake was closed to swimming in 1942 so it’s great news that we can now re-open it after so many years,” he said. “The move follows a formal risk assessment by Royal Lifesaving Australia and new safety measures including regular water quality monitoring and rostering of lifeguards.
“A diver has assessed the swimming area for submerged objects and obstacles, and an arborist has checked it for hazardous tree limbs. The swimming area has safety signage and people will be able to enter the Lake safely from a new path at the water’s edge.
“The official community launch, from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, January 24, will include a free sausage sizzle by a local scouts group and face painting and a balloonist.
“We will also host a special themed family fun day on Saturday, March 14 in partnership with the Parramatta River Catchment Group, with more details to be provided closer to the date.
“I encourage everyone to come along this weekend, bring your bathers, walking shoes and a picnic and explore this wonderful stretch of nature in our own backyard.”
Cr Lloyd said lifeguards will be on duty between 9am and 5pm for the entire long weekend, and then for every weekend until mid-March.
“While Council has taken all necessary precautions to make swimming safe, it is important that people remember to look out for each other when swimming or boating,” he said.
Council is currently the host of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, which launched the Our Living River initiative in December. It aims to make the Parramatta River and its catchments swimmable by 2025.
For more information on the Our Living River initiative and to vote for your favourite swimming location along the Parramatta River visit www.ourlivingriver.com.au
For more information on recreation at Lake Parramatta visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au > Play > Sports and Recreation > Parks and Reserves > Lake Parramatta Reserve
