the sydney 2000 olympic and paralympic games - Australian Sports ...

PART THREE : LEGACY ASSETS FOR NSW
polo necessitated the use of a second pool for preliminary matches of both the men’s and women’s
tournaments.
Under an arrangement with Ryde Council, the existing Ryde Pool was upgraded to a modern aquatic
leisure complex. Ryde Council helped with the funding of construction for the venue and is responsible for
appointing a long-term operator for the site.
The Ryde Aquatic Centre (RAC) features an Olympic-size pool suitable for water polo, along with a 25
metre lap pool, a leisure pool with a wave generator, a children’s pool, waterslide, lazy river ride, sauna,
turbo pool and program pool for exercise classes and therapy sessions. It also contains a two-court indoor
sports hall with seating and change facilities. A key feature of the development is the transparency of the
building. Large expanses of glass, with passive solar control, provide views through the building to the
south, yet prevent solar glare forming across the water surfaces.
Before and after the Games the RAC has provided a year-round international standard recreational facility
which can be used for school carnivals, lap swimming, exercise classes, aqua-therapy, water polo,
swimming for fun, indoor ball sports and other events.
Olympic Sailing Shore Base
A shore base was constructed at Rushcutters Bay to provide support services for Olympic sailing
competition. Associated with that temporary base, the Games provided the impetus for demolishing
several unrequired buildings within the Sir David Martin Reserve to expand public open space. The
remaining buildings have been refurbished with regard for their historical significance. Other long-term
benefits for the area include increased access to the foreshore, a new pathway along the Yarranabbe Park
seawall, a 10-berth marina with access and facilities for sailing groups with disabilities, and a new public
jetty for water taxis.
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