At the Ordinary Meeting of Council of 24 September 2019 a petition will be submitted by Clr Pollock, provided to him by Charles Stuart, on behalf of the Bay Push Inc and signatures concerned, for Council to consider including the provision for a kiddies low-impact splashpad, adjacent to the existing Variety Inclusive Playground, Batemans Bay within the Plan of Management for Corrigans Reserve, Batehaven.
It has been requested by the signatories that Council consider this petition in the development of a Plan of Management for Corrigans Reserve.
The Petition specifically states: ‘The revision of the Plan of Management for Corrigans Reserve, Batehaven is imminent and community support exists for the provision of a ‘Splashpad’ adjacent to the recently completed and highly successful Variety Inclusive Playground, Batemans Bay. The Splashpad is designed to appeal to all levels of ability and will be free to all and compliment the inclusive elements available at Corrigans Reserve’.
Why a Splash pad at Corrigans when one is planned for in the new $61 million Mackay Park Leisure centre?
By way of explanation the Bay Push advise that "during the 5 year course of the playground project we heard much support for a kiddies Splashpad."
"We have discussed this opportunity widely and believe there is every opportunity to secure this wonderful facility for residents and visitors as an addition to our Variety All Inclusive Playground."
"The proposed water park at the new Mackay Park precinct is at the centre of Batemans Bay. It’s a great paid entry community resource styled on an adventure playground. The water park will feature water slides and a large tipping water bucket.
"But on the basis of location, admission price and equipment type, it will not be suitable for or benefit all children, especially those with profound disabilities."
"The splashpad proposed for installation adjacent to the inclusive Variety Inclusive Playground will be low impact. It will include a water filtration system with ground based water jets, foot operated water spouts and a rainbow channel. It will feature solar heating to extend the season for its use. No pools means no life guard presence is necessary.
It would be free entry to all."
Councillors may have to consider the financial impact of providing such a free community facility against the loss of income anticipated from the fee-entry splashpad they propose for Mackay Park.
Council has declared that they will not release the Business Plan for Mackay Park saying that it is commercial in confidence and the projected incomes from pool entry, splash pad entry, community room hire and theatre use must remain confidential. No doubt an operator might have concerns if Council offers a free alternate splashpad down the road.
Above: Eurobodalla Council commissioned Parkequip Waterplay to design and construct the new children’s area in Narooma. The new splash pad, opened in March 2019 was funded by the Community Development Grants program and is available at no extra cost than the entry of the pool.
