Background
Dence Park Masterplan
We understand how important Dence Park is to the Epping community and we want to make it even better.
Following extensive consultation and consideration of feedback received over an 18-month period (2018-19), the Masterplan for Dence Park was completed and endorsed by Council in December 2019. The Masterplan identifies upgrades to the Epping Creative Centre, Epping Pool and surrounding green and open space. It will guide improvements across the whole park so that it continues to meet the needs of the growing community.
In April 2020, Council endorsed the Dence Park Masterplan Implementation Plan. The aim of the Implementation Plan is to provide a clear and strict cost-controlled method for Council to develop the high-level Masterplan into detailed design for tender and construction.
Epping Pool Draft Concept Plan
The Epping Pool upgrade is progressing!
Over the past 18 months, Council has listened to your feedback and collaborated closely with specialist services to ensure the best possible outcome for Epping pool. We know how much the community values the Epping Aquatic Centre and have sought to provide the best possible facility that meets your preferences and observes community needs now and in the future.
As compared to the design presented in the draft concept plan, the Final Concept Design for Epping Pool provides for a more practical layout while still meeting the same level of community needs. The proposal includes:
- A renovated and expanded pool amenities building which meets accessibility requirements
- A new ground floor reception area, new change facilities, additional family change rooms, a dedicated first aid room, and enclosed access to a new indoor pool
- Accessibility improvements by installing a level open walkway from the existing car park to the pool amenities building, a lift connecting the two floors, and accessible bathrooms
- A new 20-metre indoor pool with access ramp closer to the reception area to provide undercover access in bad weather and additional passive surveillance
- New pool pumps, filtration and other aquatic infrastructure for the outdoor and indoor pools, as well as pipework for the future water splash and play area (which along with a future family picnic area is subject to additional funding being sourced)
- Minimal impact on surrounding bushland
- Upgraded 6-lane 50-metre outdoor pool
- Children’s waterplay facilities.
Consultation update
We last sought your feedback on the Epping Pool Draft Concept Plan in December 2020. During this period of time, nearly 3,000 people visited this project page, and close to 500 people provided a submission through either the online survey, filling in a hard copy survey or sending an email submission. Thank you to everyone that took the time to provide a submission!
The submissions showed that Epping Pool is valued as an important asset by the local community. While most respondents indicated that they would use the pool for casual swimming, a majority also demonstrated a strong desire to have the water play equipment and a shallow splash pool included in stage one works.
Responding to this feedback, Council sought an additional $2.85 million to be allocated to Epping Pool which is endorsed as additional funding and will be put towards providing water play equipment at the same time as the rest of the pool upgrade works.