MAJOR rejuvenation works are set to enhance Kerang’s swimming pool as a tourist attraction during the warmer months.
Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson and State Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Major Events and Regional Victoria, Danielle Green officially opened the completion of the $677,000 project.
The works included creating a new family and universal access changing facility at the Shadforth Street site, installing new shade structures, improving solar heating capabilities for the pools on-site, and giving the venue a makeover with a new paint job.
The centrepiece is the installation of a Murray River-themed splash park. Cr Gibson joined two of his children, Jorga and Logan in being “dunked” under to cascading water to mark the opening.
“Kerang Swimming Pool is already regarded as one of the premier venues for swimming carnivals,” Cr Gibson said.
“These works enhance what we already have here, and should encourage people to stop and have a look at the precinct.
“Well done to all of the tradespeople involved in the project. It was fantastic to have local businesses involved.”
Western Australian company, Water Features by Design began works in late July to install the splash park, which replaces the toddler pool.
The area, which takes inspiration from the Murray and Loddon Rivers and the Gunbower State Forest, includes two play areas for specific age groups.
An area featuring water fountains, a waterfall and a place where users can fill and empty buckets of water, caters for children aged from one to four years and sections that include water cannons, a tunnel and a shower ring, are suitable for children aged five to 10.
The project, which received $190,000 in Victorian Government funding, is an aspect of the Sir John Gorton Precinct master plan, which includes the public library area and linkages to Atkinson Park and the multi-stage central business district public infrastructure redevelopment.
“I am impressed by the multi-purposing of this civic precinct. This new area will be great for parents who can sit back and watch their kids play in the splash park whilst reading a borrowed magazine or e-book from the library,” Ms Green said.
“It is also a perfect spot for people from Bendigo to bring a carload of kids.”
