Bold Park aquatic centre reaches major milestone

Bold Park Aquatic Centre will celebrate 50 years of keeping Perth families active, teaching children to swim and bringing the community together when it marks its milestone on Friday morning. The City Beach facility, which first opened in 1976, will host a community morning tea on Friday, October 16, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Residents are invited to join the celebrations. No booking is required. Over five decades, the centre has grown from a community swimming pool into an aquatic and recreation facility which offers swim lessons, fitness programs, childcare and other family friendly amenities.

Camera Icon Milla and Leni Silvagni enjoying Bold Park Aquatic Centre. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian Town of Cambridge mayor Gary Mack said the centre had welcomed generations of local families since it was established. “Generations of local families have learned to swim, trained, competed, and enjoyed spending time here,” he said.

“Rather than being defined by notable individuals, Bold Park Aquatic’s story is really one of community participation, with local families, schools, clubs, and recreational users forming its legacy.” A redevelopment in 2015 transformed the centre, with a 50m heated outdoor pool. a leisure and learn-to-swim pool, a cafe, playground and upgraded facilities part of the works.

Mr Mack said the centre had always been more than just a place to swim. “It’s been a place where people learn life-saving skills, stay healthy, catch up with friends, and create lasting memories with family,” he said. Facility manager Tamara Sanders, who joined the Town of Cambridge in September 2018 as a senior administration officer before becoming centre manager two years later, said the facility had developed a strong sense of community connection.

Camera Icon Tamara Sanders, Bold Park Aquatic Centre manager. Credit: Supplied “People don’t simply come here for a swim. They stay for a coffee after a class, connect with friends, use the crèche, participate in programs and become part of the wider Bold Park Aquatic community,” she said.

One of the centre’s most unusual moments came in 2024, when it was transformed into a theatre venue for The Pool , a production by Black Swan Theatre Company in association with Perth Festival. The production attracted nearly 8000 people, showcasing the facility’s versatility beyond traditional aquatic activities.

Other memorable events have included a 24-hour charity swim fundraiser and the establishment of the town’s annual Celebrate Summer family event. Ms Sanders said she was particularly proud of the growth in the centre’s swimming, health and fitness programs, which cater to people of all ages and abilities.

“We support infants from six months of age through to adults learning to swim for the first time,” she said. “We see friendships formed through the creche, school communities returning year after year for swimming carnivals, and participants building confidence, fitness and lifelong skills.” Camera Icon The opening of Bold Park in 1976.

Credit: Town of Cambridge The centre has now introduced specialised swim school programs for both the International School and the Japanese School. A significant operational improvement came in 2019 with the introduction of heat pumps, which improved the temperature after the centre was jokingly known as “Cold Park”.

Ms Sanders said the centre’s design and bushland setting also contributed to its appeal. “The centre’s architectural design is unlike any other aquatic facility,” she said. “Nestled amongst the bushland, it has a calm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to stay, connect and return.

“It is much more than a place to swim; it is a place where people come together, support one another and build lasting connections.” Mr Mack said the town hoped it would remain a valued community asset for generations to come. “We want it to remain a place where people of all ages can be active, learn new skills, connect with others, and enjoy being part of the community for many years to come,” he said.