Things are looking up for Lilyfield residents this summer, thanks to the installation of a new tidal pool in Callan Park. When the temperature heats up, you can now thankfully cool down close to home. Today we’ll discuss everything we know about this new development and other Lilyfield outdoor spaces to enjoy.
What we know about the new Lilyfield Tidal Pool
The new Lilyfield tidal pool will be calling Callan Park home because of its prime position on Parramatta River’s foreshore. If you haven’t been to Callan Park yet, you’re in for a treat! The 61-hectare parkland was formerly the grounds of Rozelle Hospital, so across its wide open spaces you’ll still spot a few heritage buildings.
But back to the tidal pool. It took two years of extensive water testing and environmental impact research for the government to gain approval. They’re calling it a modern-day version of the Dawn Fraser Baths, which is located just up the river. Built in the 1880s but lovingly restored over the years, the ‘Dawnie’ is Australia’s oldest swimming pool and swimming club. This tidal saltwater pool is located in Elkington Park in Balmain.
Its modern counterpart in Callan Park will be a little bit different. The tidal pool will still include a 50-metre swimming pool with lanes. However, it will also include a long jetty and two moored pontoons, so people can dive into the cool water or make like a lizard and laze in the sun.
Construction is set to finish in time for the Callan Park tidal pool to open this summer. This will be the sixth spot you can swim along the Parramatta River. Besides the historic Dawn Fraser Baths, the other options include Bayview Park, Cabarita Park Beach, Chiswick Baths and Lake Parramatta. We don’t think Callan Park will be the last either.
Living the outdoor life in Lilyfield
Besides this new installation, there are other outdoor activities waiting in Lilyfield and its Inner West surrounds.
Bay Run
The Bay Run (also known as the Bay Walk) is a seven-kilometre circuit around the Parramatta River in the Inner West. It takes you through suburbs like Rozelle, Lilyfield, Drummoyne and Five Dock. Callan Park is just one of the Lilyfield parks you’ll walk through that are home to playgrounds, outdoor exercise facilities and picnic and barbecue areas. It has designated lanes for walkers and cyclists and is an easy flat walk, making it both pram and wheelchair accessible.
Leichhardt Park
Some would say Leichhardt Park is the main outdoor hub for Lilyfield residents. The park itself is a part of the Bay Run and includes a playground and outdoor fitness facilities for seniors. But it’s also home to the Leichhardt Sporting Grounds and the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre. The centre has several pools to choose from:
- Seven-lane outdoor Olympic pool, heated in winter to 27 degrees.
- Heated diving pool.
- Two indoor pools: the program pool and the toddler pool. Both pools are heated to 31 degrees, but the toddler pool includes spa jets and a water spout.
- Outdoor Mushroom Pool. Open from October to April, this pool is essentially a children’s aquatic playground with a mushroom water feature.
- Specifically designed hydrotherapy pool.
The centre also has three fitness studios, with one offering panoramic bay views. There’s truly something for everyone.
Coming: Bakers Square
Keep your eye on 469 Balmain Road, because it’s going to be a vibrant new mixed-use development and a wonderful community asset. There will be spaces for light industrial use, residential apartments and Bakers Square, a publicly accessible outdoor space. The development will also have pedestrian links connecting it to three bordering streets, so everyone’s invited.
Can we help with your Inner West home?
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Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
