Wollondilly Council’s Water Play Strategy will soon become a reality thanks to $840,000 of funding from Round 8 of the NSW Government Resources for Regions program.

The funding will help create two small scale facilities that will incorporate a mix of water play and educational elements at Barralier Park, The Oaks and Memorial Park, Thirlmere. These locations were identified during Council’s feasibility study and a robust community consultation process.

$770,000 will fund the design and construction of the water play facility at The Oaks, with the remaining $70,000 going towards the design of the facility at Thirlmere.

Facilitated by the Department of Regional NSW, the Resources for Regions program aims to support projects that will enhance the lives of community members in mining impacted communities.

CEO Ben Taylor said, “I’d like to thank the Department of Regional NSW for making this funding available. There has been a lot of community interest in the idea of water play options in the Wollondilly Shire, so it is great be able to move ahead to deliver these facilities.”

“As well as giving families a way to cool off in the hot summer months, the water play facilities will provide an opportunity for locals to reconnect after the recent Covid-19 lockdown.”

“I’d like to thank the Mayor and Councillors for their vision in making this happen for our community.”

Based on community feedback, some of Council’s key principles for water play are that facilities should be: accessible and inclusive; free of charge; educational and interactive; have elements of the facility able to be used year round; built using mainly natural materials; and located to support economic development opportunities.