Problem-plagued Kununurra Splash Park set for September opening

After a string of delays due to COVID-19 and vandalism, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley has announced the Kununurra Splash Park will be open to the public this month.

The Shire revealed the news on their Facebook page last week, saying the park would host a private contractors’ testing event the following day to thank locals involved in the project.

The park, which is funded by a $3.2 million grant from the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan, was set to open in December 2021, however this was delayed due to COVID-related setbacks.

Construction was again put on hold last month when intruders broke into the park and vandalised the new ablution block and park flooring.

Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley president David Menzel said it was extremely disappointing that the park would be vandalised before it was even open.

“This kind of behaviour not only affects the delay in opening the facility but creates a substantial cost to rectify the damage,” he told The Kimberley Echo in July.

Following final stages of testing, the Splash Park will open sometime this month for all community members to use and will feature a tipping bucket, water cannons, slides and a life-size model crocodile.

In June, the Shire reached out to the public for help naming the park and after a number of suggestions including Kununurra Splash N Slide, Splashpad and Kununurra Aqua Park, the decision was made the coin the new playground Kununurra Splash Park, Yawoorroonga-Woorr.

A new sign has also been erected outside the park, which is located across the Kununurra Leisure Centre.

Entry into the park will be free.