WIND FROM THE SOUTH WEST

Inspired by the ocean pools of Sydney, this expansive aquatic centre is slated to become Australia’s most accessible and sustainable facility of its kind.

Situated in the heart of Green Square in one of Sydney’s newest evolving suburbs, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre offers locals an urban beach environment with world-class facilities.

The name Gunyama means “wind from the south west” in the Aboriginal language of Sydney and refers to the strong southerlies that blow through the area. An extensive wetland system that once offered an abundant water supply and recreational opportunities to First Nations people, Gunyama Park is once again bringing water to the region in the form of an aquatic and recreation centre.

Considered the largest pool complex built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics, the centre’s design is inspired by Sydney’s famous ocean swimming spots. It boasts a 50-metre outdoor pool, in addition to a 25-metre indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, health and fitness centre, crèche and a synthetic sports field for use by community teams, as well as a children’s water-play area designed and installed by ParkEquip.

Experts in park and play equipment, ParkEquip worked alongside Andrew Burges Architects, design studio Grimshaw and builders CPB Contractors for more than three years to design and construct the aquatic play zone at this state-of-the-art facility.

Taking centre stage, the Activity Tower in the aquatic play area is an elevated structure jam-packed with watery fun. Floor sprays, spray arches, cannons and a large Mega-soaker tipping bucket keep the action moving. A double-wide slide allows two children to race side-by-side to the bottom, or a parent and bub to descend comfortably together. The toddler area features a smaller Twin Tot slide and is combined with various smaller and gentler spray elements for littlies to join in on the fun.

Much thought has gone into the spacing and positioning of each water feature relative to the water depth, to ensure an adventurous and safe water-play experience. Soft-toned colours were used for the structures to allow the brilliance of the building and its surrounds to stand out, creating an energetic and vibrant space that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.

In a nod to eco-consciousness, an innovative energy-cogeneration system is used to heat and power the centre. The system provides flexibility in managing energy consumption and helps to reduce the centre’s carbon footprint, as well as making it significantly cheaper to run every year.

A large array of solar panels on the roof of the centre is connected to the local electricity network, which also feeds surplus electricity into the grid to power buildings in the neighbouring community precinct. The centre also has the ability to run fewer water features during off-peak times when there are less people using
the equipment, thereby saving on power.

Providing much-needed amenity to the urban environment, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is “a place for everyone to connect, relax, exercise and take some much-needed time out” — and cool off in summer!

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Sydney
Location Zetland, New South Wales
Architects Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw
Builder CPB Contractors
Supply & Install ParkEquip