UPDATE: Big Splash, the popular aquatic park in Macquarie, Canberra, faces yet another setback as plans for a mid-November reopening are in jeopardy. The current owners, Translink Management Group Pty Ltd, have announced that the iconic slides may not be operational, leaving locals frustrated and disheartened.
The park was expected to reopen to the public, but the lack of action over the past year has left it looking abandoned, with graffiti and boarded-up windows still evident. Residents recall the owners’ previous promises to reopen last summer, which never materialized.
Officials from the ACT government have confirmed that this is becoming a recurring disappointment for the community. City Services Minister Tara Cheyne stated, “We expect the pools to reopen in a few weeks,” but many are skeptical about these assurances given the ongoing neglect.
Despite Translink’s claims of wanting to make Big Splash a success, there have been no visible improvements. The park still resembles its derelict state from six months ago, with the only changes being attempts to secure the property from trespassers. Local residents are questioning the owners’ commitment, stating, “If they can’t manage the slides, they should get someone who can.”
The pressure is mounting, especially from the Greens, who are calling on the government to take a firmer stance. While the owners must comply by reopening the pools to meet lease conditions, there is little faith in their ability to deliver a full aquatic experience.
Many in the community view the slides as a vital attraction, drawing visitors from across the region. The absence of these features will significantly impact Canberra’s youth, who rely on such facilities for fun and recreation. The ongoing uncertainty leaves the future of Big Splash in question as discussions about its condition and management continue.
Residents are left hoping for immediate action to revive the park before the summer season begins. With the clock ticking, locals are demanding more transparency and accountability from Translink Management Group and the ACT government. As Canberra braces for a potentially disappointing summer, the community waits anxiously for updates on Big Splash’s future.
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent matter that affects the leisure options for many in the region.
