An artist’s impression of the splash pad which will be the centrepiece of a $1.7 million upgrade to Weipa Aquatic Centre infrastructure. Photo: Supplied.
The Weipa Aquatic Centre will boast a splash pad from the end of 2024 as part of a $1.7 million infrastructure upgrade.
The upgrade, which is being carried out by TP Aquatics on behalf of Weipa Town Authority (WTA), will include several additional enhancements, such as a refurbished plant room and saltwater chlorinator, and an extension of the existing toddler pool.
The project is being funded by Rio Tinto and WTA Chair Jaime Gane said the inclusion of the splash pad would boost Weipa’s liveability, especially for those with younger children.
“These types of facilities are important to foster active and connected communities,” she said.
“Whilst we must always approach investment in community infrastructure responsibly, it’s important that we ensure our community is a desired place to live, work and play.
“Our aquatic centre has continued to be a gathering hub for residents and families, especially on weekends [and] these improvements will make it even a more popular place to visit.”
The aquatic centre will be closed from the end of May until November to allow works to be completed, and Ms Gane said the project had become a necessity due to ageing plant room infrastructure.
“The project was initiated due to the ageing plant room infrastructure, and we were constantly having to close the wading pool for maintenance due to poor flow and surface deterioration,” she explained.
“The upgrade will see a complete rebuild of the plant and pump room, and the new design incorporates a saltwater chlorinator.
“This will reduce our ongoing operational expenses, as salt is far cheaper than chlorine, and it will mean we have a safer and more reliable system.”
For more information about the planned closure, and what it means for aquatic centre memberships, visit the WTA website.
