Greasy Pole, Boat Rides and Duck Chase were just some of the attraction at the Aquatic Carnivals held at the Heany Park Swimming Pool in Rowville during the 1940s and 1950s.
The carnivals were held in a reservoir along the pipeline between Belgrave and Dandenong. The pipeline was an important supply of water for farmers in the Lysterfield area. In 1940 Ferntree Gully Shire Council agreed to lease the pipeline from State Rivers for ten years. Farmers paid for the use of the water. The reservoirs on the pipeline were to be used as recreational reserves. In December 1942 one of the reservoirs was named Heany Park after the Shire Engineer, Tom Heany. In 1943 a swimming platform was built at one end of the swimming pool and a picket fence was built around the children's swimming pool. The supply of water along the pipeline and in the reservoirs relied on the weather and in 1945 the swimming pool was closed when no fresh water entered the pool. In 1947 the first Aquatic Carnival was held. The funds raised were to go towards the purchase of the pipeline and improve the amenities at the park.
Events included swimming, canoeing, diving exhibitions, lifesaving exhibitions during the day to be followed by dancing to the music played by an orchestra in the evening. Swimming events were for all ages including a race for 'old buffers' (over 30 years) and a 'married ladies' race. The Barry Cup was awarded for the distance race over a mile. The Aquatic Carnivals were annual events and were usually held on Australia Day. From 1954 proceeds from the Aquatic Carnivals went to local hospitals and other charities as well as for improving park amenities. In August 1953 an avenue of trees was planted from the entrance of the park. Heany Park Swimming Pool was a popular recreation space in Knox during the 1950s and many locals learned to swim at this pool.
The Aquatic Carnivals ceased towards the end of the 1950s. Swimming pools in the bush were considered possible health hazards and in the early 1960s the area was closed to the public.
Ronald, Heather. Farewell my Heart 1997
Ronald, Heather. Heany Park. Knox Historian 1(3) 1983 pp 8-10
Created by: Timothy Court
Last Modified: Thurssday, 23 March 2000
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