Myrtleford Splash Park is opened to the public following its grand unveiling last Wednesday, 17 September.
Located on Lewis Avenue - the site of the former Myrtleford Scout Hall - the splash park was born from a community-driven vision and brought to life through collaboration between the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce, Alpine Shire Council, and the Australian Government.
Alpine Shire Mayor Councillor Sarah Nicholas, federal MP for Indi Helen Haines and Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Jim Van Geet, cut the ribbon to officially launch the new free community facility, to great applause from an enthusiastic crowd.
A number of local children were exploring the landscape of the splash park before the speeches were even over.
Mayor Nicholas went so far as to christen the newly opened site herself, already prepared wearing her swimming trunks and encouraged others to join her and have a splash.
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Dr Haines joined in with the half-a-dozen school-aged attendees, also prepared in their swimwear, however being fully-clothed, she limited herself to only one lap of the new splash park.
“I’m willing to run the gauntlet,” she said.
“This is all about having fun; I’m so thrilled to see brand new babies and young kids excited to see this project come to life.
“I think this splash park could not be in a more perfect place...the Myrtleford community truly and utterly deserve a project like this.
“It’s all about celebrating who we are as a community and showing Myrtleford is constantly looking to the future.
“I congratulate you all.”
Mayor Nicholas said the splash park was a testament to the vision and determination of Myrtleford’s community.
“The splash park began with the desire to create a space for families to gather, where children could have fun and the community could connect,” she said.
“The chamber of commerce really championed this idea: Jim van Geet (president) played a very large part in that, as did previous Alpine Shire mayors John Forsyth and Ron Janas, for recognising how important this would be for their community.
“We were fortunate enough to get a significant amount of money through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program, thanks to the federal government...$2.25 million, which is what brought this project to life, funding the entire thing.
“The splash park is a symbol of recovery and resilience; it supports physical and mental wellbeing, encourages outdoor activities and strengthens community connections.
“It’s a space for joy, laughter and being together.”
Mayor Nicholas said the new facility was so much more than a splash park, with features designed to reflect Myrtleford’s character: counter-levers to recognise local mining in the area; arbors and shelters inspired by existing local architecture; and the platypus-themed water play area inspired by the local platypus population in nearby Happy Valley Creek; finished off with a mosaic put together by the local (anonymous) Crackpots.
Crackpot One said the duo really wanted to include an Aboriginal design.
“We’re so grateful to our artist, Elder Mike Harding of the Ngurraiillam people who allowed us to use his work,” Crackpot One said.
“The platypus looks great.”
Crackpot Two said they were very grateful for the opportunity to work on this project
“It is a wonderful way for children to learn about nature and understand they might see a platypus at the creek nearby,” Crackpot Two said.
“It’s great they’ll be able to make that connection.”
Involved with the installation and design stages of the Myrtleford Splash Park Project were: PARX (Formerly Playscape Creations) - concept design; Alpine Drilling- bore construction; Water Features By Design - primary project consultants; Stadelmans Eathmoving and McPherson’s Earthmoving Contractors - car park and landscaping; Damon Barker Electrical; Plumbing By Hall and RBI Plumbing; Bright Concreting and Lukey T Concreting - construction and infrastructure; and Nago Orange.
The splash park is open daily from 9am to 9pm.
Community delighted with new splash park
With the unveiling of Myrtleford's new Splash Park after a five-year-long wait, local feedback for the park was overwhelmingly positive at last Wednesday's official opening.
Karen Gasperoti said the splash park is a great advancement from when she was little, when she and her friends and family went to the nearby creek to dip their feet in the water.
Julie Knowles said she thought the new park will be so good for the town.
"I think the splash park will be a great asset to the community," she said.
"I live nearby, so I'll be able to send the children to the splash park and they'll have a lovely time."
Deb Geddes said it is a great attraction, not just for the locals, but visitors as well.
Lonni McPherson brought her son Kayce down to the launch, specifically to try out the new splash park.
"The kids aren't really confident in the water, so this is perfect for them to have fun safely," she said.
"I think it's fantastic for the town, especially for families with young kids.
"I know myself and other parents have had to take their kids out of town for this sort of thing in the past.
"A big thank you to everyone involved."
The few attendees who braved the cool weather to check out the splash park in action, spent an enjoyable 40 minutes dashing under the fountains and sprinklers, before the wind picked up and they had to get rugged up again.
Myrtleford's Splash Park is currently open daily from 9am to 9pm, with a newly installed set of facilities to accommodate guests' changing needs.
