Successful opening sees Water Play hours extended
Published on 16 September 2015
The fences came down, the people flooded in and after a successful three week trial period, Mildura Rural City Council will now extend the hours of operation for the new Water Play area along the Mildura Riverfront.
Economic Development and Tourism portfolio Councillor John Arnold said the initial feedback has been overwhelming positive, particularly from people with young families.
“It’s wonderful to read the positive feedback we’re receiving from people accessing the Water Play area,” Cr Arnold said.
Recent warm spring weather has seen the park inundated with hundreds of people, particularly on the weekends and with all the systems working well, Council is now ready to extend the hours of operation.
“Staff gave it a few weeks to make sure everything was working properly and we’re pleased to say, that with the evenings becoming progressively lighter, the Water Play will now operate between 10am and 6pm each week day and between 10am and 7pm on weekends.
“Once daylight savings starts, we’ll review the hours again.”
Other suggestions for improvement from users of the area have included requests for additional chairs and tables, more shade and more car parking. Cr Arnold said more seating is due to be installed in the coming weeks with picnic style tables and chairs and bench seating on order.
“The shade issue is one which will rectify itself over time as the trees mature. In the meantime, we encourage people who plan to spend the day at the park, to bring along their own shade options in the same way you would at the beach, just in case the undercover areas are all ready taken.
“In terms of parking, we want to remind people there is plenty of parking available at the top of Nowingi Place behind the Caltex Service Station which you can access from Seventh Street. It’s a great access point for the whole riverfront with paths already installed.”
The Water Play area is part of the $18.3 million project to reinvigorate the iconic riverfront precinct and includes new public amenities at Nowingi Place, new BBQ facilities, pathways, workout stations, upgrades at the Skate Park and landscaping in the area.
“We just so pleased the Water Play is such success and we look forward to seeing the rest of the project receive the same positive community support,” Cr Arnold said. “And if you do notice something that’s not quite right or you think could be improved, by all means, please let us know.”
Council is planning an official opening of the Water Play on Sunday 4 October 2015 from 1pm until 4pm with further details to follow.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au