FAQs

With a growing population and increasingly warm summers, it is becoming more important to offer the community ways to cool down. 

In 2020, we undertook a feasibility study into small-scale water play facilities before seeking community input around available options. Community members identified the most important factors as accessibility and inclusion, cost-free access, and general proximity for residents.

Locations in The Oaks and Thirlmere were chosen by Council from those identified in the feasibility study and which were popular in the community consultation.  

Barrallier Park has proximity to the town centre which make this site very accessible and visible. The existing car park is also considered a positive feature. 

Other proposed locations in The Oaks were ruled out for various reasons.

• Harold Noakes Reserve was ruled out because of insufficient parking, a lack of toilet facilities, limited economic benefits, and feedback from neighbours 
• Willis Park did not have enough physical space due to existing equipment and trees, had no parking and is close to a busy intersection 
• Dudley Chesham Sportsground was ruled out during earlier discussions with the community as it is isolated.

Thanks to the NSW Government Resources for Regions (Round 8) grant, we can design and construct a small-scale water play facility at Barrallier Park, The Oaks.

A concept design is a high-level representation of proposed works or spaces for the area without going into the fine level of detail. The concept design will indicate location, size and scale, relationship between buildings and spaces, and the general ‘look and feel’ of the space.

Construction is anticipated to commence at the end of 2023 and be ready for use in spring 2024.

An operational management plan will be developed for the facility. It is anticipated that the facility will operate (with water) from September to March each season. We are investigating options for use of aspects of the facility during cooler months.