Merrylands could have its own Olympic swimming centre within the next three years if residents, community organisations and sporting clubs give their support to a proposed pool finance committee scheme.
Already Holroyd Rotary Club has suggested two possible sites — Merrylands Park, and Lawson Park in Desmond Street.
Rotary president, Alderman F. Edwards and Community Service Chairman, Alderman W. Try, made this joint disclosure yesterday.
The centre would serve Guildford and Mays Hill as well as Merrylands.
The club will approach all district sporting, church and community organisations to form a swimming pool finance committee.
These bodies are expected to give enthusiastic support to the scheme.
Several residents said this week Merrylands Park would be the more preferable site because of its central position and bigger area.
A survey of streets surrounding both parks indicated residents would also be willing to give financial assistance if an appeal was made.
President of Merrylands Chamber of Commerce, Mr. E. J. Sheahan, acclaimed the move as a "progressive scheme for a rapidly progressing town."
"I personally feel the chamber will give its wholehearted support," he said.
"The district could support a swimming centre now more than ever before."
Merrylands residents hailed the scheme as "long overdue".
One housewife and mother of shoolchildren said: "The proposal is very welcome, a swimming centre in Merrylands - will save mothers fares and time."
Another said: "The scheme is certainly overdue, it will be much easier to take the children for a swim now."
Secretary of the Merrylands Leagues Club, Mr. P. McCarroli said he was "sure" the club would support the scheme.
Source: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189524066