PLA NSW and ARI NSW co-host information session at North Sydney Olympic Pool
The Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW (ARI NSW) and Parks and Leisure NSW (PLA NSW) came together, with support from Fluidra Commercial and North Sydney Council, to co-host an informative session at the newly opened North Sydney Olympic Pool.
Backdropped by spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the event offered something refreshing for the industry: an open and candid conversation about the project, from plant layout and installation through to pool construction, equipment selection and day-to-day operations.
The expert panel featured Paul Stevenson, responsible for the plant layout; Duncan Rennie, council pool operator; Matt Baxter from Trisley Hydraulics, responsible for the plant installation; and Jono Steward from Crystal Pools, who built the pool areas.
Together, they provided councils, pool operators and other industry professionals with the opportunity to hear directly from the people involved at different stages of the redevelopment.
The discussion explored what worked well, what could have been done differently and how the project has performed since opening. Topics included the importance of operator input during the design phase, the extent of consultation undertaken, and the challenges of coordinating the aquatic component with the wider building redevelopment. Attendees also heard how the aquatic side of the project was ready well ahead of the remainder of the building.
The panel examined the implications of heritage listings, the complexities of delivering a modern aquatic facility within an iconic setting, and the role of the pool's harbour views in attracting spectators, visitors and significant social media attention.
ARI NSW chairperson Brad Vella says the event was an excellent rollover from their awards night was held the previous night.
“That meant some of our members were able to come to the event, and it was nice to see a lot of people coming here today. Co-ordinating it beforehand was really good as well, North Sydney being one of our members, and it’s important the industry learns from their experiences, whether they’re good, bad or indifferent.
“We can always learn what our future developments are going look like in our industry, especially in the aquatics space.”
He says PLA reached out to them, along with Fluidra Commercial, to see if they could help support and advertise the event through their channels, and he is more than happy to collaborate with any organisation that wants to combine their efforts to help reduce the number of conferences that need to be held.
Fluidra's involvement
He also applauded Fluidra Commercial for supporting this type of initiative, showing great commitment to bring people together to learn and move forward.
At the event, Fluidra Commercial’s John Xagoraris discussed the versatility of Fluidra products incorporated into the facility and the value of Australian manufacturing in supporting major aquatic projects. The redevelopment showcases a range of Australian-made products from Fluidra, including Sunbather pool covers, an SR Smith swim wall, AntiWave lane ropes, and Chadson precoat filters. Fluidra Commercial also supplied lunch.
Ursula Gleeson, executive officer of PLA NSW/ACT, says the event reinforced the importance of bringing the entire project team together to share knowledge and learn from real-world experience.
“This type of open discussion is a refreshing and valuable contribution to the aquatic and recreation industry,” she says.
“And for attendees, the setting was a highlight. The opportunity to experience North Sydney Olympic Pool while taking in the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge was a reminder of why this facility remains one of the world’s most iconic aquatic destinations.”
ARI NSW and Parks and Leisure NSW thanked the panellists and attendees for their contributions to a valuable industry discussion and for helping share lessons that will support future aquatic facility developments across Australia.
There will be a more comprehensive article on the new North Sydney Olympic Pool in the upcoming Edition 169 of SPLASH!
IMAGE: Brad Vella (ARI NSW), Mark Bruhn (PLA NSW), Duncan Rennie (North Sydney Council), Paul Stevenson (Stevenson & Associates), Matt Baxter (Trisley Hydraulics), Jono Steward (Crystal Pools), Bruno Toppinin (Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre), and John Xagoraris (Fluidra Commercial). (Supplied PLA)
