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While the Fairfield City Council is set to close its Aquatopia waterpark for the winter season at the end of the current school holidays, work on its latest addition - an innovative new outdoor wave pool - will continue during the winter months in anticipation of it opening for the 2021/22 summer season.

The first major wave pool to be built at a public aquatic facility in Australia in several years, the attraction will be an addition to Aquatopia’s multiple waterslides and play experiences and its existing artificial wave simulator.

Being undertaken by Swimplex Aquatics, Aquatopia’s next stage features technology from Aquatic Design Group (ADG) from the USA, state-of-the-art filtration and water treatment from Swimplex Aquatics, and a custom 55-metre stainless steel pool structure from Myrtha Pools.

The pool is a four-caisson design and is powered by two large, custom built fans that act on the water with an exclusive three-way valve system to increase the height of the waves.

It features a peninsula which allows riders to join large waves every three seconds using a boogie board on either side of the pool and can also accommodate stand up surfing with board riders paddling into the waves.

The custom-built wave control system allows for variable height and size waves as well as different shapes for all levels of skill and various types of surfing equipment. The pool will be enjoyed by not only experienced surfers but will also be able to serve as a ‘learn to surf’ attraction with the safety and convenience that the ocean can’t offer with the wave generator able to create rolling, surfable waves of over one metre of height and the addition of a ‘soft walk’ padded surface under the floor of the pool will make this a very safe attraction so it can be enjoyed by surfers of all skill levels and ages.

When not in use as a surfing attraction, the pool’s 1.1 million litres of water will offer another recreational water space to the centre and will be heated to extend its operational season.

The pool will be primarily salt water, with a backup sodium hypochlorite system, which will help to make this as close to a day at the beach as you can get.

Underwater cameras will assist the lifeguards to monitor the pool and the design of the pool has been optimised for safety and accessibility by lifeguards along the edges of the pool.

Construction of the new wave pool began in October 2020 and the project is planned to be ready for the summer season.

There will also be a covered stage area for outdoor events - including moonlight cinemas - and a 150-square metre shade sale which will include children's play areas.

The project is being jointly funded by Fairfield City Council ($6.4 million) and the Federal and NSW Governments through the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Fund ($5.6 million).

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone recently told the Fairfield City Champion that Aquatopia was selected for the wave pool because of its "accessibility" and it will cater for the whole community.

He advised “visiting the beach can be an expensive and long trip. This new wave pool brings the fun and excitement of the beach to the backyard of Fairfield residents.

"The extra large size of the pool and the addition of breaking waves means that visitors can do more than swim. They will be able to surf too, and council will be providing opportunities for visitors to learn how to surf.

"I'm also glad that we will be providing even more of our popular cabanas for families to hire and enjoy. They are the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just relax together in the shade."

The project is being jointly funded by Fairfield City Council ($6.4 million) and the Federal and NSW Governments through the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Fund ($5.6 million).

New all-abilities playground in Fairfield
Another Fairfield City Council project approaching completion is the all-abilities playground at Deerbush Park.

When finished in mid-autumn, the playground will feature a Liberty Swing, wheelchair accessible carousel, ground-level trampoline, sensory activities and an accessible public toilet.

The playground will also feature the Council's first water play area in a public playground along with a ground-level ropes course, flying fox, riding track, climbing net fort with slide, outdoor gym equipment, tables and seating, trees and landscaping.

The new playground is also being funded under the City Deal Liveability program.

Images: The concept for Aquatopia's new outdoor wave pool (top), Aquatopia's opening in 2016 (middle) and Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone at the opening (below).

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