Water Play closed for maintenance

Published on 08 October 2015

The water play area on the Mildura riverfront will not be operating for the remainder of this week due to maintenance.

Council hopes to be able to switch the pumps and water jets back on early next week and advised it was unlikely the water jets would be operational this weekend.

The new recreation facility, which opened to the public in mid-August has proven extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. 

“The public’s response to the new water play area has been overwhelmingly positive, with use far exceeding our expectations so it is disappointing that we have to close it,” said Council’s General Manager, Community Martin Hawson.

Maintenance inspections on Tuesday this week revealed a number of issues that need to be addressed and Mr Hawson said it was preferable to deal with them thoroughly now.

“During inspections on Tuesday contractors found hairline cracks in some areas of the watercourse screed surface, which have likely been caused by movement in the sub-surface,” Mr Hawson said.

“To prevent these cracks getting any worse or unsafe we are applying a flexible membrane over the construction joints in the screed surface, which will allow for any future movement.

“The membrane requires up to 72 hours to fully cure when applied so unfortunately that means we can’t switch the water jets back on until after this work is complete.”

Mr Hawson explained the water play area would have to be closed for routine maintenance from time-to-time but said this week’s extended closure was hopefully a one-off to address s specific issue.

“We are working as quickly as we can to have the water play back operating again as soon as possible for the community to enjoy.”

Other maintenance works being carried out on the water play area this week include inspection and cleaning of the underground water storage tanks, modifications to the drainage system and an extension to the concrete aprons around the splash zones.

Council encouraged residents to keep an eye on its website, social media accounts or to contact Council directly on (03) 5018 8100 for information about water play operational hours.

www.mildura.vic.gov.au
www.facebook.com/MilduraCouncil
twitter.com/MilduraCouncil

ENDS

Media enquiries 
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au