Splash of joy for embattled town’s foreshore
As Whyalla residents continue to deal with the impacts of job losses at their steelworks, a new foreshore design is lifting its game plan.
Early plans for Whyalla’s $3.14 million new Splash Play Plaza have been expanded with a spray tunnel and cannon after earlier designs were dubbed “a little underwhelming”.
While work on the Federal Government-funded foreshore park began in September, Whyalla City Council has been working with Outside Ideas to explore other features that have now been incorporated into the splash area with an updated concept design.
New features include a larger double-splash bucket, a spray tunnel, spray cannon, water spray frog and more interactive water-play elements.
Its designers having already incorporated a ‘uniquely Whyalla’ look, replicating various elements of the Whyalla Steelworks
Council General Manager City Growth Jodie Perone said several residents had said during a plan review that the final water-play elements felt a little underwhelming so there was a re-think.
“It’s important that this delivers what the community wants, so we’ve expanded the design to make it more exciting and enable even more kids to enjoy it at once,” Perone said.
New site fencing, offices and early surveying and preparation works already had started but this week Outside Ideas would start site clearing, demolition and construction works.
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Mayor Phill Stone said when construction started that the project would bring the foreshore to life and “hopefully attract new families and visitors to our city”.
“Seeing the huge slides and other play equipment going up should put a smile on the faces of local families, especially those who helped shape the final design,” he said.
Some of the key features of the play space include:
- Water-play features (water bucket, sprays and water curtain)
- Five-metre-high slide, with a ‘Skywalk’ from the main play area
- Play tower with spiral stairs / spiral slide
- Flying fox
- Rock-climbing wall / climbing nets
- Play tunnel with swings
- In-ground trampolines and merry-go-round for all abilities
- Half-court basketball court
- Large undercover play area, as well as extensive shade and seating for parents
- Wave lawn with bike / scooter track
- New fencing / landscaping
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