Enhancement to Waves Aquatic Centre sees roses rehomed

Following a number of enhancements being made to support the Waves Aquatic Centre redevelopment project, approximately 150 Iceberg Roses from the Alfred Henry Whaling Memorial Reserve Rose Garden will be replanted at the historic Cropley House, in Baulkham Hills.  

Almost another 250 roses, which have been displaced by construction activities, will be accommodated within the garden, either in existing or in new garden beds.  

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said she was happy to see the much-loved roses retained and moved to a new location. And notes “we are very excited that our roses can still be enjoyed at the beautiful Cropley House.

“It’s the perfect location - which is used for functions, weddings, events and other community activities - and the roses will add to the venue’s historic ambience.”

Mayor Byrne said works happening within the rose garden would be minimal, and residents can still enjoy everything that they love about the special community space.   

“The good news is that the Rose Garden will remain open during the construction of the new aquatic centre. Residents will be able to walk through the garden and enjoy it as much as they do today.

“I understand that people would rather not see the removal of the roses that border one edge of the aquatic centre site, however this is necessary to manage the overland flow of water.  

“I’m excited that construction of our new community pool has begun after so much planning and consultation with residents, and I’m sure we can continue to enjoy the wonderful synergy between the pool and the rose garden that our community loves very soon.”

The Hills Shire Council has also budgeted $300,000 for upgrades to the Rose Garden, and this is expected to begin within the next 12 months.  

Mayor Byrne added “we are planning to improve the walking paths and rotunda, fix the stairs and upgrade the watering system in the future.

“This is a very exciting time, and I’m so proud to be a part of a Council investing money and resources into these special spaces which are loved by residents and visitors to the area.”

Image courtesy of Cropley House