With the summer heat set to continue to sizzle, there's no shortage of ways to stay cool locally.
Camden's Dawson-Damer Water Play Space has a number of water and non-water activities, including water spinners, a ninja warrior course, swings, trampolines, basketball facilities, picnic areas and much more. Being an inclusive facility, the award-winning Dawson-Damer Park also has wet play wheelchairs available for hire and adult change facilities.
Also on offer is Curry Reserve Water Play Space in Elderslie, which boasts a large splash pad with 36 play features for all inclusive, accessible fun for children of all ages. The award-winning water play space is also an inclusive facility with accessible activities, wet play wheelchairs and a fully accessible and accredited public toilet and adult change facility.
If swimming is more your vibe, you're in luck because Camden is home to three incredible pool centres.
The Oran Park Leisure Centre, which was officially opened in October 2024, has an eight-lane, 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, an indoor heated program pool, a leisure pool with a toddler section, rapid river feature and other water attractions. There's also a stadium to play basketball, netball, volleyball, soccer/futsal and badminton.
Mount Annan Leisure Centre has a heated indoor pool and outdoor pools, a 25-metre lap pool, a leisure pool, a program pool for aqua-aerobics, a splash pad, triple water slide tower, a state-of-the-art health club, a creche, a stadium for hire and a casual shoot around.
Last up is Camden War Memorial Pool, which has a 50-metre outdoor pool, children's wading pool, a swimming lessons pool, disability pool and changeroom access.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said there was something for everyone around Camden.
"We're so lucky to have so many fantastic places right in our backyard that allow us to escape the heat and have so much fun with family and friends," she said. "Make a day of it, try something new and have a blast. That's what these facilities were made for!
"Make sure to stay sun safe. Slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs; slop onSPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to create a barrier between UV and your skin; slap on a SunSmart hat to protect your face, ears and neck; seek shade whenever you can; and slide on sunglasses to reduce UV exposure to your eyes."
For more information about Council's water play spaces, visit
https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/water-play-space
For more information about Council's three leisure centres, visit their individual websites at:
• Oran Park Leisure Centre - https://oranparkleisurecentre.com.au/
• Mount Annan Leisure Centre - https://mountannanleisurecentre.com.au/
• Camden War Memorial Pool - https://camdenpool.com.au/
