Canberra Olympic Pool was built in 1955 during the build up to the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Canberra Olympic Pool (COP) was one of the very few centres in Australia during this time developed with three pools – 50 metre main pool, dive pool and toddler’s pool. At the time, COP was considered to be an outstanding facility, winning the Sulman Award of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for meritorious architecture in New South Wales in the recreation and sports class for 1955.
COP has served as a highly valued community facility for nearly 60 years and over the years a number of changes have been made to try and adapt to changing community needs. The most significant was the introduction in 1992 of the air supported dome to allow the use of the 50 metre pool all year round. For the first couple of years the dome was erected in winter and dismantled in summer but when contract management of the facility began in 1996 it was decided to leave the dome erected all year round.
The dome was replaced in 2008 as part of a $2 million refurbishment project that included other minor upgrade works. In the current configuration the outdoor pool is closed and the centre has extended trading hours to assist with the expected increased patronage, because of the refurbishment works being completed at Lakeside Leisure Centre.