A bright, new, water park will be the highlight of Winton's summer, with construction of a $1.7m facility nearing completion.
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Winton Shire Council has prioritised youth engagement by constructing an aquatic playground inside the swimming pool compound, jointly funded by Works for Queensland Program and Council.
Council CEO Ricki Bruhn said the project would improve livability especially in the warmer months.
"With high temperatures throughout the year, the aquatic playground will provide kids with another option for recreational fun and physical activity," Mr Bruhn said.
"The community is really excited, and eagerly awaiting the finalisation of this project."
Mr Bruhn said Council brought local children into the planning and design process.
"In June 2018, Cr Tina Elliott and Charles Dyer (council technical officer) worked with both Winton State School and St Patrick's School children on what elements they would most like to see in a play space," Mr Bruhn said.
"The children were shown a range of stimulus and were able to vote with star stickers on the elements they liked the most. This was followed up with a brainstorming session - much of which formed the final design.
"Playscape (contractor) provided beautiful renders of a Waltzing Matilda themed splash pad but Council and the children of Winton had spoken and wanted slides!"
All the planning and design work was completed by March 2019 and works began onsite the first week of June.
"The plant room, filtration, disinfection and pumping equipment are all installed. The Aquatower is in place and the final plumbing is close to completion," Mr Bruhn said.
"The week of the September 9 will see the rubberised tough-coat floor surface installed."
Mr Bruhn said the aquatic payground would be complete around September 20 before the Winton Outback Festival.
"We hope to give local school kids the opportunity to try it out before the official opening," he said.
"To cater for all ages the playground is also augmented with a toddler space, with half a dozen ground sprays and a rain cap mushroom."
Shade structures and outdoor furniture will also be installed before Christmas.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
