Blackheath Pool: eighty years an enduring symbol of Peace

Blackheath Pool and Memorial Park is in many senses the heart of the Blackheath community and a 'fragile oasis' at the top of the mountains. In the latest in a long tradition of Blackheath community activity surrounding The Pool, a three year concerted community campaign snatched Blackheath Pool from the brink of demolition. The fully renovated Pool reopened in 2006.

From the late 1870s a dam fed by natural creeks and hanging swamps was established. This was the water reservoir for steam engines reaching the highest point of the western railway crossing the Blue Mountains. After WW1 locals began showing interest in the area surrounding the dam for recreational purposes. In January 1919 the area was set aside as a reserve for recreation. In December of the same year the Blackheath Municipal Council was formed – a not unconnected event!

Two years later James Dawes, superintendent of Sydney's Centennial Park came to Blackheath to advise on the potential of the land to become a unique park. The citizens of Blackheath raised 1,000 pounds to finance development as a park. The Memorial Park was established by the community to commemorate those who lost their lives in WW1, each rhododendron planted in memory of one of the 77 Blackheath casualties. The Park it is an enduring symbol of peace, and The Pool of the healing value of water.

Although swimming was officially prohibited, locals larrikins couldn't resist the lure of the dam on hot summer days.  Gradually the former dam was recognised as having potential as a swimming pool. In 1929 Blackheath Alderman Peter Sutton called a public meeting which formed a Citizens' Committee to organise voluntary labour and raise funds. During community working bees on Wednesday afternoons and weekends the dams were cleaned out, graded to the necessary depths and the bottoms gravelled. Old railway sleepers were painted white and placed to define the embankments.

The Official opening took place - eighty years ago - during the 1931 Christmas holidays, and over ensuing years many thousands of happy swimmers enjoyed this special place.
In 1935 The Katoomba Daily declared it “...the finest park and swimming pool on the mountains” [quoted p.155 Blackheath Today from Yesterday (2005)].

Detailed historical information is available at http://ow.ly/7dvms.

Today Blackheath Pool is one of the most beautifully situated public swimming baths in Australia – set amongst sweeping lawns and the now mature rhododendrons, at over 1000 metres above sea level – providing swimming with altitude.

Blackheath Pool Opening Day Saturday 26 November 2011. Open every day of season 9:30AM to 6:30PM. Water averages a warm 23°C across the season. Request a DAY PASS which allows you to come and go as often as you like on any one day – swim early, picnic beneath the trees, swim again later.

Friends of Blackheath Pool and Memorial Park continues the community tradition – watching over this gem of the Mountains.

Have a great 
Rhododendron Festival!
Blackheath Memorial Park (& Pool) sildeshow http://ow.ly/7jDRM