Shipwreck theme for new water playground

A shipwreck-themed splash park will be built in Bunbury following months of negotiations for a water playground in the city.

While it is no longer being called a water playground, the splash park has been given the green light to be located at Sykes Foreshore near the Koombana Bay caravan park.

Bunbury City Council endorsed the deal with Discovery Holiday Parks behind closed doors on Tuesday night.

It follows months of negotiations and renewed calls for a water play area in the city.

Discovery Holiday Parks will put $1 million towards the project, while the council will invest $700,000 along with works to improve traffic management, build new ablutions and change facilities and upgrade the existing playground.

Mayor Gary Brennan told the South Western Times that the decision was a “terrific moment” for the Bunbury Geographe area.

“We are ecstatic to have reached an agreement that will benefit the Bunbury community as well as visitors to the Bunbury Geographe region,” Mr Brennan said.

“The water splash park is another exciting element which adds immense value to the flourishing Koombana precinct and I look forward to next summer when local and visiting families can enjoy this latest attraction.”

The 750sq m splash park will be free access to all and offer more than 40 water features, including a giant tipping bucket and water sprays.

The deal also includes a sale and development agreement with the caravan park over Lot 1881 Koombana Drive – the site between the park and the recently opened Koombana Park – and its long-term lease over the entire area.

The caravan park will be expanded to include 30 new cabins and the same amount in extra powered sites along with other park facilities.

Discovery Holiday Parks chief operating officer Michaela Webster said the park was set to become a tourist hot spot in the city.

“We know that the Bunbury community has been asking for a water facility for some time and the new park will both attract tourists and benefit people that live in the local community,” Ms Webster said.

“We are pleased to be signing a new 50-year lease with council which will enable us to create this exciting new splash park and expand our accommodation.”

A water playground was initially earmarked for the city side of Leschenault Inlet, but later moved after funding knockbacks and as part of negotiations with the caravan park.

The council will undertake community consultation with nearby residents with the project set to include the carpark area at Lyons Cove being redesigned.

Discovery Holiday Parks hopes to start construction by the middle of next year with all facilities – including Lot 1881 – expected be ready for the 2019-20 summer.