Locals took an early opportunity to get in the swim of things at the opening celebrations of Yarrawonga’s new splash park set on the town’s scenic Lake Mulwala foreshore.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad, officially opened the new outdoor water splash park today on behalf of the Sport and Recreation Minister, James Merlino.
“Water sports are incredibly popular in Yarrawonga. Local sports facilities like the new Splash Park which has been operational since January 2009 will play an integral role in ensuring communities in Moira are strong, happy, healthy and active for years to come,” Ms Broad said.
“The developments will also help cater for the increasing demand for family-friendly water play areas, especially for children in the Moira area.
“And the Splash Park will complement other popular Lake Mulwala foreshore activities including fishing, sailing and water skiing,” she said.
The new splash park replaces the old toddler’s foreshore pool with a modern outdoor splash play area.
In 2008, the Brumby Labor Government provided a $200,000 funding package towards Moira Shire Council’s aquatics ‘Building a Sustainable Future for Our Community’ project from the Community Facility Funding Program – Seasonal Pool Renewal category.
Ms Broad said the Yarrawonga Splash Park was just one of six outdoor aquatic facilities in the region to undergo upgrades under the scheme.
“These upgrades will lead to water savings of more than 1.2 million litres of water each year,” Ms Broad said.
Other aquatic facility works included upgrades to the Yarrawonga waterslide run-out pool; construction of a beach entry to the Cobram toddlers’ pool; installation of a roof for the Nathalia swimming pool change rooms, seat upgrades to the Nathalia and Strathmerton outdoor pool area and tank installations at Numurkah Pool.
Ms Broad thanked the Moira Shire Council for its commitment of more than $146,000 towards the ‘Building a Sustainable Future for Our Community’ project.
“We want all Victorians to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle, that’s why we are working closely with local councils to develop quality, accessible and in this case more water efficient pool facilities,” Ms Broad said.
“By providing quality sport and recreation facilities, we’re offering Victorians more opportunities to get active and involved in their communities and swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun,” she said.