Introduction
Granville swimming pool opened in
1936 and was one of the first Olympic-sized pools built in Sydney.
The original swimming centre
included a small children’s pool, 10 metre diving tower and a water slide. A
second 50 metre pool was added in 1957, and from 1973 the main pool was heated.
In 1988 the pool was named in honour of local swimming champion John Devitt .
Several state, national and
international swimming and diving champions have trained and competed at
Granville, including John Devitt, Dawn Fraser, Julian Carroll, Barrie Kellaway,
Sue Costin and Barry Darke. The focus of community and family events for
generations, the centre has also been the location of major events such as the
Australian championship titles and the 1948 Olympic trials. Thousands of
children have learned to swim here, or competed in organised school or club
races.
In
2005 Parramatta City Council completed a major refurbishment of the pool
complex, creating modern facilities and a safer environment for the local
community.
Images:
1. The new Granville swimming
pool, Decoration and Glass, June 1936.
2. Children’s pool, about 1940.
Courtesy of Granville Historical Society
3. Don Campbell and friends at
Granville, about 1947
4. Members of Parramatta City
Swimming Club,
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