Putney Park Beach Now Open!

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The City of Ryde, in partnership with the NSW Government and the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG), is thrilled to announce the official opening of the new Putney Park swim site, a landmark destination on the picturesque foreshore of the Parramatta River.

The new swim site is a great addition to the area’s growing list of open spaces. As the City of Ryde continues to grow, spaces like this are becoming more important. This new swim spot will give residents a fantastic place to relax and enjoy without having to make the long drive to the beach.

 

Features

Affectionately known as ‘Putney Beach,’ the new swim site comes with a fully netted enclosure to keep swimmers safe, offering a secure environment for everyone. The new seawall and set of stairs were built in 2021 as part of the Parramatta River Masterplan, which aims to make the river swimmable again by 2025. These improvements, costing $575,000, were designed to enhance the park’s amenities, create new recreation opportunities, and support the overall health of the river.

 

More Than Just a Swim Spot

In addition to swimming, Putney Beach is also a fantastic place for picnics and outdoor activities. The park is a popular spot for families, offering a large playground, plenty of green spaces, and shady areas for relaxation. It’s also an ideal location for launching kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft.

 

Is it Safe to Swim at Putney Beach?

Like many natural swimming spots, the City of Ryde has made sure the water quality at Putney Beach is safe for swimming. In 2019, the local council introduced a water quality monitoring program, which runs every two weeks in summer and monthly in winter. The results have shown that the beach meets safety standards, just like other swimming sites along the river.

While the beach is officially safe for swimming, it’s still important to use common sense. As with any natural swimming area, it’s best to avoid swimming after storms or floods, and steer clear if the water looks cloudy. The council advises swimmers to be aware of river conditions, avoid swimming for three days after rain, and follow the safety advice on the signage at the site.

 

A Historic Milestone for Parramatta River

The opening of Putney Beach marks the third new swim site to open on the Parramatta River in over 50 years. This milestone is the result of years of research, planning, and collaboration aimed at improving the river’s health, following the 2018 Parramatta River Masterplan. The Masterplan tackles important issues like water quality, litter control, stormwater management, and water-sensitive urban design. The new swim site adds to others like Windsor Beach on the Hawkesbury River and ‘Pondi’ in Penrith, offering much-needed riverside swimming spots in the city.