Surrounded by 73 hectares of nature reserve, Lake Parramatta whispers tales of ancient custodians and modern recreation. This is Lake Parramatta. It is more than just a body of water. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine.
The Burramatagal and Bidjigal clans of the Darug people once thrived here. They are the traditional custodians of this land. Lake Parramatta’s abundant fresh water and diverse food sources made it vital to them. Evidence of their occupation remains. You can see remnant shelters, hand stencils and flaking scars.
Fast forward to the 19th century. Parramatta needed a reliable water supply. From 1788 to 1909, the Parramatta River was the main source. But pollution and shortages plagued the area. Agitation grew for a purer supply.
Two factions emerged. One wanted a dam on Toongabbie Creek. The other favored Hunts Creek. Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell settled the debate. He recommended Hunts Creek.
Construction of the Lake Parramatta Dam began in 1855. It was not without its challenges. The first contractor withdrew due to interference. A second failed. A third also quit.
Finally, a new Water Committee took over. They appointed Captain Percy Simpson as Engineer of Works. Later, Edward Orpen Moriarty supervised the work. W Randle’s tender was accepted in November 1853.
The dam was completed in September 1856. The cost was about £17,000. Lake Parramatta Dam was a pioneering feat of engineering. It was the first large dam built in Australia. It was the second arch dam built worldwide that used calculations for its construction.
The cylindrical arch dam had a vertical water face. It was constructed of solid sandstone. The stones were bonded with cement mortar. Roman cement was used where joints met water. Portland cement was used elsewhere.
For 25 years, Lake Parramatta mainly replenished the Town Dam. It also served as a bathing pool for boys. Water was not reticulated to the town until 1881. By the 1890s, Parramatta’s population boomed. Droughts often emptied the reservoir.
In 1898, C W Darley raised the dam wall by 11 feet. This increased storage capacity. In 1909, Parramatta joined the Sydney water system. Lake Parramatta was no longer needed for water supply.
The reserve transformed into a recreational haven. During the 1920s and 30s, it was a popular picnic and bathing spot. It even had its own life saving club. It became known as Lake Parramatta Reserve.
Swimming was permitted between 1920 and 1940. But poor water quality led to a prolonged closure. In 2015, swimming was finally allowed again. Lake Parramatta Reserve was proclaimed a Wildlife Refuge in 2012. This recognized its diverse wildlife and threatened species.
Today, Lake Parramatta is a cherished recreational area. Visitors can swim, walk, barbecue and play. They can also hire boats to explore the natural habitat. The dam itself is a heritage-listed landmark. It stands as a testament to Australian engineering.
As you stroll around Lake Parramatta, remember its layered past. From the Darug people to the dam builders to the modern-day swimmers, it is a place that has something for everyone. It connects us to both nature and history. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this unique location.