Bayview Park launch marks a key milestone in the mission to make Parramatta River swimmable again

Not even the intermittent rain could dampen the enthusiasm of locals, visitors and PRCG member agency representatives, past and present, who came along to celebrate the opening of City of Canada Bay’s Bayview Park Baths in Concord on Sunday.

People of all ages took a dip in the new netted swim enclosure, tried the free kayaking, joined in the exciting lilo races, or just relaxed on one of the deck chairs along the beach.

Event MC Jo Taranto welcomed Uncle Allan Murray and Uncle Brendan Kerin from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council who conducted the moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas, Sydney Water General Manager Business Development, Chris Gould, and PRCG Chair, Cr Mark Drury, officially opened the swimming baths.

Diver Dave’s Ocean Adventures wowed the kids with his wonderful assortment of sea creatures, and the enviro art education team from PluckFastic highlighted the impact of single-use plastic in our waterways and ways to switch to sustainable alternatives.

Rock’n pop trio The Sitch, comical duo Solaris Circus Arts, and hula hooper performer, Shiho Sparkle Hooper provided the entertainment. Event goers were also treated to a delicious BBQ by the Rotary Club of Five Dock and coffee and ice cream by Walkabout Coffee, Clothing & Culture.

Many thanks to everyone who came along to support this special event. The project was funded by the NSW Government‘s Places to Swim Program. The swim site opening marks a key milestone in the mission to make the river swimmable again and reflects what can be achieved through collaboration between local and state government agencies and the community.

Swimmers can check the daily water quality forecast for Bayview Park on the PRCG’s Our Living River interactive map.