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Fri, 14 June 2024,
posted by City of Sydney
We recently caught up with Chris who shared with us his passion for swimming at Victoria Park Pool.
Chris, who currently lives in Forest Lodge, describes himself as retired from work life but certainly not retired from life.
As a 360 Active member, Chris has access to all the City of Sydney outdoor pools, but Victoria Park Pool remains his favourite.
C: "Throughout my life, I found I couldn't go for too long without doing some form of exercise and staying active.
"At this stage of my life, swimming perfectly suits my lifestyle."
Chris first discovered Victoria Park Pool in the late 1980s.
C: " I've been coming to Victoria Park Pool since my days at Sydney Uni and rediscovered the facility since moving to Glebe ten years ago.
"I love its accessibility, tranquillity, lawns, cleanliness and friendly staff."
Chris feels so fortunate living in the City of Sydney area with such a wide choice of outstanding centres to go swimming at.
C: "When I was working in the city, during lunch time I would do a short jog around the Domain and then swim at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool.
"On wet or extremely hot days, I would swim at Cook & Phillip Park Pool. I've been going there since it opened in 1999.
"If I feel like a walk, I love going down to Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills. It's an oasis so close to the city."
Having recently retired, Victoria Park Pool is Chris' go to place most days of the week.
C: "I try to swim 3 to 4 times a week, on alternate days. I swim a minimum of 1,000m - or it doesn't go in my spreadsheet!"
So what makes Victoria Park Pool Chris' happy place?
C: "I live a relatively stress-free life these days, and swimming helps me to keep it that way. I love to tune out from the world and follow that black line."
"On warmer days I enjoy nothing more than to lie on the grass, close my eyes, listen to podcasts or music, and then jump back into the water.
"During the colder months, the 50 metre pool is seldom overcrowded, it is perfectly clean, and is kept at a perfect temperature.
"No matter what time of year it is, Victoria Park Pool is always my special place - almost like a second home."