Something to do in Sydney - Check out the new North Sydney Olympic Pool

We dropped by the new Milson Point swimming pool, following its renovation.

First a rant, I am struck by its "new" name - North Sydney Olympic Pool. I wonder what is so "Olympic" about the pool ? My tongue in cheek for its Olympic-ness is the stupidity of the North Sydney Council. The renovation ended up way over budget ($122M vs. budget of $57M). The renovation took 5 years, instead of 2. The council also picked Icon as the developer of the project. Keep in mind, Icon was the builder behind the problematic Opal Tower.

Apparently, the pool has also driven the North Sydney Council to the wall. Council has to sharply push up rates to pay for the additional cost of the renovation project.

It is a shining example of the stupidity of the local governments in Sydney. A bunch of elected local politicians driving decisions for the great good of the community. For all I know, they (and many other local councilors) are more interested in looking out for their property developer mates ?

Turning back to the pool. The new pool was nicely done. There is also a smaller indoor pool. Saw life guards walking the pools where we were there in early morning.

There is a gym. The gym obviously has new equipment and look posh. The gym has a tremendous view of the Sydney Harbour. The pool also runs yoga classes. Just like the gym, the yoga classrooms feel modern and new.

The changing rooms were clean. The lockers are almost high tech (open and lock with the access card).

A single visit costs $11 for adult and $8.8 for kid and $8.5 for concession.

For access to the gym and yoga classes, membership costs $37/65 per week.

Plenty of metered parking spots around the pool. Some parking spots are free until 10am.

In a way, the North Sydney Olympic Pool reminds of a renovated food court. Yes. The ambience feels nicer. But prices are going way higher. At the end of the day, people just want to get a feed (or have a swim in this instance).... Can someone reminds me what was so bad or unsafe for the old pool ? Meanwhile, the local residents are footing the bills for the "infinite wisdom" of the councilors.