Bunbury splash park open for comment

A highly-anticipated water play park in Bunbury will boast a whopping 41 different elements if given the green light.

Concept designs of the water “splash park” are out for public comment, alongside additional plans for ablution blocks, extra parking and a redeveloped open space and structured play area at Sykes Foreshore.

Bunbury City Council and owners of the Koombana Bay caravan park last year stuck a deal, which included the splash park, the sale and development of Lot 1881 Koombana Drive and the park’s long-term lease over the area.

The 750sqm proposed park includes components such as a whale tail, beach ball soaker, turtle spray, a spray tunnel called “the wave” and a “fun-brella”.

Mayor Gary Brennan said it was great to “have something materialise” after several years of discussion and planning over the park’s funding.

“It’s going to be very cool,” Mr Brennan said.

“It’s mainly for Bunbury Geographe people, it certainly will attract more people to the caravan park ... but there’ll be benefits for Bunbury Geographe residents.”

“It’s a great collaboration between Discovery Park and the City of Bunbury.”

He said he believed it was hoped the park would be a reality by Easter next year.

Upgrades to the carpark will see an extra 24 bays and a caravan/bus parking bay and the new toilet facilities will fit in with the council’s accessibility guidelines.

Landscaping is expected to be prepared at a later stage, but a possible theme being floated is “shipwreck in the mangroves”.

A “combination” of shade shelters and sails, including three big sails over the splash park, also feature along with plans to retain several big trees in the area.

The park will be open to the public and free to use.