UPDATE: The reopening of Big Splash, the popular water park in Macquarie, has hit yet another snag. Just announced, the current owners plan to open the facility in mid-November 2023, but the slides will likely remain closed, sparking frustration among locals who have been waiting for action.
This latest news feels all too familiar. Last summer, the owners promised an opening only to backtrack and keep the slides shut. Currently, the park remains in a state of neglect, with graffiti and debris littering the grounds. The only visible changes are boarded-up windows and new fencing aimed at deterring trespassers.
Officials from Translink Management Group Pty Ltd, which purchased the lease for $7.5 million in 2021, claim they want the park to succeed. However, residents have seen little evidence of these intentions. As one local put it, “How about mowing the lawn? Cleaning up the rubbish? Wouldn’t you do that as a bare minimum?”
Despite the dire condition, City Services Minister Tara Cheyne has stated she is taking the owners at their word, expecting the pools to reopen soon. However, the government has only put the owners “on notice,” allowing them to open the pools while the slides remain a question mark.
Under pressure from the Greens party, the ACT Government has indicated they may take action if Big Splash does not open this season, but residents are skeptical. With no clear plan in place, many are left wondering if the park will ever regain its former glory.
Families and teenagers depend on facilities like Big Splash for summer fun, yet the lack of slides could significantly diminish the park’s appeal. “People travel from across town and out of town to use the slides,” said a concerned community member. “Aquatic facilities need to be about more than splash pads and water fountains.”
As the promised reopening approaches, residents are left anxious, hoping for a real solution rather than another disappointing delay. Authorities are urged to intervene decisively to ensure that Big Splash can provide the adventure and enjoyment that Canberra’s youth desperately need.
Stay tuned for developments as the reopening date approaches. Will Big Splash finally live up to its promise, or is it destined for another disappointing season?
