overview

This is the first open space water playground of its size undertaken in the MidCoast. The water playground is an all-age, all-ability water splash pad with a water slide, water tower and active water play equipment. The playground is designed with no standing water to exclude the need for lifeguards.

The playground will be open every day all year round (excluding Christmas Day) and is free of charge to use.

How did we get here?

From July 2017 to August 2017, we went out to the community to find out what they thought about the opportunity to re-purpose the Tuncurry pool. From this feedback, a decision was made to construct a water playground.

We then went back to the community from November 2020 to January 2021 to find out the key elements they wanted in the water playground. Design plans were then constructed before going out the community again from December 2021 to February 2022 to make sure we had got it right.

At the Council meeting held on 27 April 2022, Councillors gave approval for work to start on the construction of stage one of the Tuncurry water playground. Councillors approved a funding allocation of up to $670,000 from developer contributions to support the $2 million project. The Australian Government funded $850,000 towards the project.

You can read more about the what you told us during these phases of engagement below.

About the design

The playground recycles water onsite, passing through full filtration and chlorination processes and returning clean water to the playground.

The design is based on seven principles of universal design – equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for user error, low physical effort, and appropriate sizing and space for use.

Inclusivity has been at the forefront of the design process, incorporating universal design goals to ensure everyone can enjoy this playground, which has a unique design unlike any other in NSW.

The project includes a new, fully accessible amenities block with a disability hoist and an all-age change table.

future plans

With the completion of the water playground, we hope to expand our facilities at Vincent Fazio Park, as a regional destination for our community. The reserve already includes the Skate Park and Tuncurry Community Hall.

There are future plans for a children’s safety bike path in the precinct and we’ll be developing parking, footpaths and a safe access way to link Lone Pine Park and the foreshore with the new precinct. You can take a look at the plans for the future of the park below.

Got a question?

Contact our team for any questions you may have about the project at council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.