The playground has already proved popular since opening in late 2009, but a water park will add a whole new dimension.

It will also make the facility the rival of anything in regional NSW, providing another jewel in the region’s crown.

Adventure Playground’s designer Ric McConaghy will be engaged by council to bring the water park to reality and initial plans include water cannons, a “splash tower”, areas for toddlers and an off-street car park.

It sounds fantastic and will be a hit with young parents and mothers’ groups, in particular.

One criticism, however, might be that the water park will cater for a group of locals – the toddlers and young children – who are already well catered for by local facilities.

Much rarer are facilities specifically targeting local teenagers, though, it must be said, that is also a much harder group to please.

Another concern, raised by councillor Warren Aubin, is the question of just how many months of the year the water park will be in operation.

The project is a bold initiative by council given Bathurst’s notoriously fickle weather and it would be a shame to see the water turned off at the park for half of the year if autumn arrives early – or summer arrives late.

And, finally, it remains to be seen what impact the water park will have on Bathurst’s hugely successful New Year’s Eve Party in the Park.

The water park is to be built on the high side of Victoria Park where families pack in each December 31 to farewell the old year and enjoy the spectacular fireworks show.

Either a new venue or new seating arrangements will need to be found.

But, for all those minor concerns, council should be congratulated for its determination to keep building our region.

This is a great place to live and new facilities like the water park will only make it greater.

Let the fun begin.