PACked first summer for Parramatta’s aquatic centre

Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) has cemented itself as the best place to swim, train or relax in Western Sydney with more than 300,000 visits to the facility in its first five months of operation.

Since opening on September 25 last year, the $88.6 million swimming, fitness and wellness hub has seen more than 20,000 attend swimming lessons, 4,000 school children attending swimming carnivals, and over 2,000 swim school program registrations.

Thousands have also enjoyed the gym facilities and using the steam, spa and sauna areas.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the aquatic centre had made a splash well beyond Parramatta.

“We wanted to create a place where our community could meet, have fun, exercise and relax – and people have voted with their feet,” Cr Esber said,

“Growing up in Parramatta, I have great memories of heading to the pool with mates to cool off and I am pleased to see thousands from the next generation do the same.

“There are people who have never been able to swim a stroke now taking the plunge and getting confident in the water.

“The venue has also attracted interest internationally with fashion magazine Marie Claire choosing PAC for a photo shoot in the magazine’s February edition.”

Cr Esber said while the sun had set on the summer swim season, PAC was a true year-round facility.

“Our pools are heated 365 days of the year and PAC offers a variety of programs at both the gym and the pools for the entire year,” Cr Esber said.

“Whether you’re keen to take up aqua aerobics or revisit that New Year’s resolution, all of the facilities at PAC are here to help you reach your goal.”

Rydalmere resident and Parramatta Aquatic Centre member John Harris, who has used the facility since it opened, said it was the ideal place to exercise and relax.

“Since I have had a membership at the Parramatta Aquatic Centre it has been fantastic to be able to get a bit of a workout in the gym, use the steam and sauna room before finishing off with a swim,” Mr Harris said.

“I have found the experience very enjoyable. I used to use another gym in the area but since this opened, I have tried to make it four times a week and have loved it.”