Growing up in California, Brittany was surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a vibrant swimming culture.

Moving to Canberra and then settling in Bondi Junction, she soon discovered the beautiful pools across the City of Sydney.

B: “One of the city’s treasures that I cherish the most is its abundance of beautiful public pools. We are so lucky to have so many pools so close to the city.”

Prince Alfred Pool soon became her favourite due to it being so convenient to where she lives.

B: “I just pop on the train and it’s only a 15-minute trip from home to the pool.

Brittany has been swimming at Prince Alfred Park Pool since it was refurbished over 10 years ago.

B: “The upgrades really brought the park to life and now it is such a great place to exercise and socialise at.

“The rows of bright yellow umbrellas are my favourite, it creates a fun and inviting environment for swimming, playing, and relaxing.”

Being an outdoor pool is a major plus for Brittany.

B: “The outdoor setting of the pool creates such a wonderful ambiance, making every visit a refreshing escape from the city hustle. It's just a wonderful feeling being outdoors.”

Brittany visits Prince Alfred Park Pool on Fridays when she has the day off

B: “Every Friday I head to the pool for a swim. I participate in a squad session for 45 minutes. The sense of community with fellow swimmers and sharing laps and conversations enriches the experience. It’s a unique blend of solitude and social interaction.

“I really like the comradeships of the squads and swimming with like-minded people. Though everyone has different jobs and backgrounds, we enjoy having a chat between laps.

“It is also a chance to clear my mind and focus on counting laps, instead of thinking about the universe. Focusing on the pool’s line helps me clear my mind and find peace.”

She also tries to squeeze a couple of ocean swims in a couple of times a week.

B: “I'm a member of the Bondi Swimblers, which is a local swim group where we swim at different locations across the Eastern Beaches throughout the week.”

So what makes Prince Alfred Park Pool Brittany’s happy place?

B: “The clean, clear water make swimming here such an enjoyable experience for me – it's like a moving meditation.

“Being in an outdoor environment, especially during COVID, and having the lifeguards around, it felt so much safer.”

“I've been swimming my whole life – I just love being in water – that’s why Prince Alfred Park Pool is my happy place. I want to be able to do this forever.”