New water park makes a splash
THE second stage of Ipswich's River Heart Parklands opened to the public on Saturday, with crowds flocking to frolic in the water park.
The $7 million project proved a hit, with children and adults alike giving their thumbs up to the park.
The works extended stage one of the parklands further east and down King Edward Pde, which has been linked through a walk and cycleway to Bob Gamble Park.
Among the inaugural visitors was Susan Berderow, who brought her daughter Chelsea to see the park for the first time.
"I think it's fantastic. We really needed something in the area and I think everyone really appreciates something that is free like this," she said.
"Hopefully the community keeps it clean."
Lielie Tamala, 15, said she would be spending a fair bit of time at the park over the summer.
She played with her cousins on the new attractions. She said the parklands were great and she loved the water slides.
Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee chairman David Morrison said the site had been a hive of activity as works neared completion.
"This will provide Ipswich residents and visitors with a perfect opportunity to preview the zero depth water park and extensive play equipment, including a spider web style climbing frame and a 25m flying fox," Cr Morrison said.
A football field-sized "Discovery Forest" with features such as forts, a bridge across a dry creek bed, carved wooden totems and balance beams is also expected to have immense appeal.
"That little bit of rainforest was planted by Ipswich City Council employees more than 30 years ago and some of them, including David Baker who is now our city maintenance manager, are still working with us.
"It is five degrees cooler in the Discovery Forest than it is outside, so it will be a wonderful shady spot in the summer."
