Information
A fenced-off swimming enclosure opened in the river to the north side of Ovens Head in 1916. Although these were initially very popular and used by local schools for swimming carnivals, they fell into disrepair after occasional flood damage, vandalism, the increasing pollution of the Brisbane River water, and the enclosures constantly silting up with mud. They were eventually closed amid health and safety concerns in 1931.
Citations
Helen Gregory, ‘The Brisbane River Story: Meanders Through Time’, Brisbane: Australian Marine Conservation Society, 1996, p. 124-126; ‘Brisbane Courier’, 8 May 1916; Qld State Archives, ID664665, ‘SBCC Minutes Book 1921-22’, 20 November 1922.
Image Citations
Swimming enclosure on the river at Dutton Park, 1921. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Record number: 167415.
Map References
QSA. QSA Series 1748 Moreton District, County of Stanley Maps – A1 Series. 2 chains to the inch. Plan of Dutton Park Land Sale, City of South Brisbane, Parish of South Brisbane, County of Stanley. With local sketch at 30 chains to the inch. 2 chains to the inch. Survey Office, Brisbane.. 620305