SplashSide to close for up to five weeks for repair works

The SplashSide water playground at ANZAC Park in Maryborough has closed today for up to five weeks so new anti-slip and anti-graffiti coating can be applied throughout the facility.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Daniel Sanderson said SplashSide had proven popular since it opened in early June, but Council had received a number of reports of park users slipping on the surface and getting grazes.

“SplashSide is a fabulous facility for families that includes a range of interactive water features, all-inclusive play equipment as well as shelters, barbecues and new toilets,” he said.

“While we’ve received a lot of positive feedback about SplashSide, we’ve also had concerns raised about the slippery surface, which is why we commissioned an independent company to do slip tests.

“This testing found that some areas of SplashSide were more slip resistant than others, which means that new layers of grit and anti-graffiti coating need to be applied, with curing time needed after application.

“It’s unfortunate that these teething issues have arisen, but getting the work done now should mean SplashSide is all ready to go for summer when it will be in much higher use.

“It’s all about ensuring we provide the best and safest facility we can for our residents and visitors, and we thank everyone for their patience while this work is underway.”

Cr Paul Truscott said once the works are completed, SplashSide will re-open seven days a week, but Council will schedule regular routine maintenance and cleaning each Thursday until 1pm.

“Council is keen to ensure we have a healthy and active community here on the Fraser Coast and facilities like SplashSide help us to achieve that outcome,” he said.

“It’s been wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of families enjoying SplashSide and I look forward to the facility reopening by Saturday 25 September 2021 after these works are completed.”

The SplashSide Water Play and All Abilities Playground is a joint initiative of Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government, which provided $3 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program.

More information about SplashSide, including rules and conditions of use, is available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/splashside