Crawley Baths facts for kids
The Crawley Baths was a very popular public swimming spot in Perth, Western Australia. It was located in Matilda Bay, right next to Crawley, Western Australia, along Mounts Bay Road. This big wooden building opened on February 7, 1914.
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What Were the Crawley Baths?
The Crawley Baths was a huge swimming area built in the water. It was made of timber, which is wood. When it opened, it was the biggest enclosed swimming area in the entire southern hemisphere! This means it was the largest swimming spot of its kind south of the equator.
A Big Swimming Spot
For about 50 years, the Crawley Baths was a really important place for fun and recreation in Perth. People loved to go there to swim, relax, and enjoy the water. It was a central part of life for many families in the city.
When Did It Open?
The official opening ceremony for the Crawley Baths happened on February 7, 1914. The person who opened it was the Premier of Western Australia at the time, John Scaddan. A Premier is like the leader of the state government. The opening day was a big event! It included a fun swimming carnival and exciting displays of life saving skills.
Why Did It Close?
The Crawley Baths served the community for many years. However, it was eventually taken down in 1964. This happened after a new, modern swimming facility called Beatty Park was built. Beatty Park was constructed for the 1962 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Perth. Once the new facility was ready, the older wooden baths were no longer needed.
Remembering the Baths
Even though the Crawley Baths are gone, their memory lives on. A special bronze statue called Eliza stands in the river today. It is located near where the baths used to be. This statue helps people remember the important role the Crawley Baths played in Perth's history.
