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Handbook the first step in developing network of the world’s ‘swimmable’ cities

Handbook the first step in developing network of the world’s ‘swimmable’ cities
January 16, 2024

Charting the ‘swimmability’ of cities around the world, the release of the Swimmable Cities Handbook aims to spotlight pioneering aquatic projects in urban waterways around the world.

Referencing Copenhagen’s harbour baths, Zurich’s Zurichsee and the spiritual waters of India’s Ganges, the publication is a practical resource that aims transform the way in which populations and aquatic, recreation and tourism professionals and planners understand and work with urban waterways.

The Swimmable Cities Handbook - An introductory tool for advocates, practitioners and decision-makers includes:

  1. State of Swimmable Cities 2023 survey
  2. Definition of Swimmable Cities & Communities (inc. types of experiences and development models)
  3. Design and Masterplan strategies
  4. Net Benefits framework
  5. Masterplan Concept for a new Birrarung/Yarra River Swimming Trail in Melbourne
  6. Recommendations, and
  7. Additional Resources

Recommendations include:

  • Establishment of an international Swimmable Cities working group
  • A Swimmable Cities Summit (for example, in Paris after the 2024 Summer OIympics)
  • 300 new cities starting their journey towards 'swimmability' by 2030 (including strategic alignments to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration)

More than a decade in the making, the Swimmable Cities Handbook was developed by Matt Sykes, founder of Melbourne-based Regeneration Projects, who has sought to back the urban swimming movement since first visiting a river bathhouse in Zurich in 2011.

The new Handbook builds upon Sykes' previous work, the 2019 Great Victorian Bathing Trail strategy.

Introducing the Handbook, Sykes explains “in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us felt a profound need to connect with nature; for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

“Urban parks, gardens and waterways weren't just beautiful spaces - they became lifelines.

“As climate change propels us into an uncertain future, urban waterways offer an everyday sanctuary where city-dwellers can 'cool off', rejuvenate, and connect.

“Shouldn't access to 'swimmable' urban waterways be a human right?”

Sykes goes on to state “the global urban swimming movement has the potential to unlock millions of jobs and billions of dollars in regenerative markets. Those cities that position themselves well are set to attract and retain the next generation of talent - from biotech consultants to place-makers, impact investors, Nature rights lawyers and regenerative tourism entrepreneurs.”

He adds that the movement is “not just about swimming.

“It's about an urban regeneration model which can catalyse ecological resilience, community wellbeing, intercultural collaboration, economic innovation and even ways to govern in partnership with nature.”

For those looking for support contact Regeneration Projects’ Chief Operations Officer, Helen Sweatman at helen@regenprojects.earth

Click here to download the Swimmable Cities Handbook.

Related Articles

12th January 2024 - Giant aquatic inflatables keep crowds entertained over Australia’s summer

10th January 2024 - Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2019-2030 updated

9th January 2024 - Qatar counts down to AFC Asian Cup and World Aquatics Championships

7th December 2023 - NSW Government releases draft Places to Swim guideline document

25th August 2023 - World Aquatics partners with Bond University to open Gold Coast Development Centre

18th June 2023 - World Bathing Day to urge participants to ‘Reawaken’ together with water

29th July 2022 - City of Melbourne releases new plans for Greenline Project at revitalised Birrarung Marr

6th December 2021 - City of Melbourne releases plan to transform Yarra River’s north bank

19th October 2021 - Concepts revealed for floating pools in Sydney Harbour

15th September 2021 - Temporary zip line along the Yarra River being considered once COVID restrictions ease in Melbourne

16th December 2020 - Event highlights the importance of developing Nature Play across NSW

14th November 2019 - Proposed Victorian bathing trail concept gets international and domestic backing

24th October 2019 - Study suggests future strategy for geothermal hot springs and bathing tourism in Victoria

19th September 2019 - Plans revealed for floating pool in central Perth

10th October 2018 - Floating pool proposed for Swan River at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay

29th May 2016 - Canberrans connect with nature at National Botanic Gardens during open day

27th May 2016 - Concept revealed for floating swimming pool on Melbourne’s Yarra River

1st April 2015 - New exhibition explores the connection between nature, photography and health

20th April 2014 - Curtin graduates’ playground design helps children connect with nature

10th December 2013 - Parks Forum invites park agencies and managers to ‘Connect with Nature’ through Parks Week 2014

17th January 2012 - Floating pool for Adelaide’s River Torrens?


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