Big bucket to stay in Water Park revamp
Date published: 27 November 2015
A complete overhaul of The Strand’s much-loved Water Park is a step closer with the Townsville City Council naming Whitewater West as the winning contractor for the project.
A magnet for family fun, the Water Park will undergo a complete staged replacement of all equipment and softfall as well as an upgrade to surrounding landscaping.
Council will now begin negotiations with Whitewater West to finalise the design before construction gets underway in April next year.
Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the Water Park had become an icon of The Strand since it opened 15 years ago, but that the ageing equipment was at the end of its lifespan.
"The water park continues to be the single most popular recreational facility in the city and during our consultation sessions with residents last September, it’s clear that many people have a strong sentimental attachment to the facility," Cr Hill said.
"We’ve made sure that the ‘big bucket’ is non-negotiable and that it will stay as a central feature of the new design.
"Based on feedback from residents, there will also be slides reincorporated into the new design as well as a dedicated toddler play area."
The project will be completed in three stages, with the first phase, the removal of the old equipment and installation of the new structure, commencing after the Easter school holidays next year.
Sports Recreation and Parks Committee chairman Cr Pat Ernst said the overhaul would ensure the water playground continued as The Strand’s star attraction for families.
"The Water Park gets a lot of use year-round and is a great tourist drawcard for our city," Cr Ernst said. "Our maintenance crews do a great job of maintaining the equipment but it has come time to replace it.
"The equipment to be supplied by Whitewater West has proven durability in our environment and all over Australia."
The three-stage construction will require the closure of the park during the winter months from April 26 until September 16.
Stage 1 of the project is estimated at $1 million.
