A FREE entry splash park could be just the thing that Shepparton needs and has already proven to be a success with Tocumwal’s newly opened splash park facility, which is seeing over 500 people visit daily.
Tocumwal’s $900,000 splash park is the first part of a major redevelopment of the Tocumwal Foreshore valued at $3.2M dollars, which once complete is anticipated to attract many visitors and tourists to the area.
Berrigan Shire Mayor, Cr Matt Hannan said, “This Splash Park is part of a fantastic redevelopment of the Tocumwal Foreshore that we can all be proud of.
“I am pleased that it is so popular and I cannot wait to see the rest of the development come to fruition.”
Director Technical Services, Fred Exton said, “The number of visitors to the park over the Christmas period has exceeded all our expectations. I am very proud of the wonderful job my staff have done in keeping the park operational.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Active Living, David Booth said, “Splash parks in open spaces can be successful however like many new features need to be considered over the long term. The initial investment and the ongoing operational costs are considerable and so most successful splash parks form part of a broader offering of attractions.
“The current location of the splash park within Aquamoves makes it difficult to make it available free of charge. In addition, the Aquamoves splash park is supervised by lifeguards and therefore provides an added level of safety for families using it.
“Council will continue to consider splash parks as part of a number of future developments. The Aquamoves Masterplan will consider the future of the existing splash park as part of future development. The Merrigum splash park (adjacent to the Merrigum Swimming Pool) is expected to be completed before the 2019/20 summer season and the upcoming KidsTown redevelopment design will also consider the benefits of incorporating a water feature into that design.”
Local resident, Alice Allen took her family to the Tocumwal Splash park recently saying that it was fantastic and lots of fun for kids of all ages.
“We spent some time camping in Tocumwal over the New Year with friends. Our kids very much enjoyed the splash park on the Tocumwal Foreshore, especially the water guns and meeting other children who were also visiting the area,” Alice said.
“A free splash park lakeside in Shepparton would be a fantastic idea.”
