Shire celebrates completion of three new splash parks

Having a splash in summer has become more fun in Narrabri Shire, with splash parks completed in Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa.

The facilities are located in public parks – in Pirate Park, Narrabri West, Ludowici Park, Wee Waa, and Vickery Park, Boggabri.

As previously reported by The Courier, council secured $1.17 million from the NSW government’s Resources for Regions Fund for the projects.

During the opening of the splash park facility in Narrabri, mayor Darrell Tiemens said the fund had been terrific for the shire community.

“We finished the construction, we promised it by Christmas, and here we go, it’s here by Christmas,” Cr Tiemens said when opening the facility in December.

“Coming here is going to be one of the most popular places in all of Narrabri, particularly amongst the most important citizens in our shire, and those are the ones that are under the age of about six, and even some of the older ones.

“But they are the future of our shire, and I think it’s very exciting that we’ve got a facility that is purpose-built for the young kids.”

Arlo Warren has some summer fun at the new Narrabri facility.

As councillors and council staff gathered at Pirate Park for the occasion, children had already made good use of the area’s newest facility.

“As you can see, they’re already getting pretty excited,” Cr Tiemens said.

“And if I had board shorts on too, I’d probably do the same,” Cr Tiemens joked.

“But this is all part of our Calling the Community initiative. And it’s very exciting, and it’s a really welcome addition to our outdoor facilities.

“As we all know, Australia is a very hot and dry continent, and we’re right on the edge of the outback, where we are, and it gets very hot.

“As anyone can attest, any Narrabri shire citizen can attest, this part of the world can get into the high 40s, and that is exactly the ticket in terms of trying to have activities and things for young children and their families to do.

“I’d really like to thank the New South Wales government Resources for Regions Fund, which has provided $1,174,130 in funding to make these parks possible.

“I think it’s certainly something that we as councillors, and we as a council, are very proud of.”

Cr Tiemens also thanked all the staff for their hard work and diligence in getting the facilities up and running.

Celebrating the completion of the splash park projects, Stevi-Leigh Hogarth, John Rumsby, Cr Darrell Tiemens, Eloise Chaplain, Evan Harris, Catherine Davis and Craig Devine.

“The parks are fully accessible, which is very important, and there’s zero depth, meaning that people can cool down without having to fully immerse themselves in water, and it’s a great inclusive activity that we’re trying to roll out similar type things within the community,” Cr Tiemens said.

“Thank you very much to the contractors who have worked very hard over the past few months, and also the staff.

“I know I’m just really proud of this as an activity, so thank you.”

Cr Tiemens said moving forward, council wants to work towards funding of shading for the splash park area and also seating to enable families to sit around and supervise their
young ones.

“We’re exploring different funding options, so we’ll let you know in due course. But it gives me absolutely great pleasure to officially open the Narrabri Shire splash parks.”