New South Wales Senator Ursula Stephens this week opened the redeveloped Camden War Memorial Pool giving new life to an historic community asset.

The $5.3 million redevelopment, funded by the Australian Government with contributions from the NSW Government and Camden Council includes two new pools, an eight-lane 50 metre outdoor competition pool and a new outdoor multipurpose pool.

The redeveloped site will also include a wet playground for children, new shade structures, upgraded lighting and improved access for people with disability through new ramps and pathways.

“The Camden War Memorial Pool has been a social hub for the local community for almost 50 years and it’s fantastic to see it be given a new lease on life,” Senator Stephens said.

“The redevelopment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building and improving local community infrastructure across Australia.

“Many members of the local community will have learnt to swim at Camden pool. The new pool will not only provide the facilities for the next generation of local kids to learn how to swim, but it might also be the training ground for our next swimming sensation in years to come.”

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said Camden pool was just one of a number of sporting facilities that the Australian Government was investing in for local communities.

“As Sports Minister I’m working to get more kids away from the television and out into the playing field and investing in community facilities like Camden pool is essential if we’re going to promote healthier lifestyles for our kids,” Senator Arbib said.

Senator Arbib said the $5 million Federal contribution to the redevelopment would ensure that Camden pool remained a community asset long into the future.

“Late last year I announced $11 million in participation funding to national sporting organisations to encourage more kids to get active and get involved in their local sporting clubs, including their local swimming clubs. However, if we’re going to get kids active we need to ensure we have both great programs and great facilities and this is what the new pool provides.”