A PRECISE location for the Bathurst Aqua Park has been jointly determined by investors, Roads and Maritime Services and Bathurst Regional Council ahead of its November, 2018 open date.
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Hickstar Investments owner Tracey Hickey said the three parties met at Chifley Dam on July 30 to discuss the development, following the approval of the development application in June.
“It was agreed that the park would be located on the Chifley Dam cabin side, close to the emergency spillway, away from the boat ramp and powered vessels,” Ms Hickey said.
“We will have four extra portable toilets, a ticket booth/first aid room and a canteen that will sell an assortment of refreshments.”
At this stage, the assembly of the aqua park is expected to commence during the first week of October, with the opening of the park scheduled for November 3.
An aqua park on Chifley Dam has been in the pipeline for months, with the Western Advocate learning of the plans in March, 2018.
Hickstar has other aqua parks located in Queensland. Ms Hickey said Chifley Dam was chosen as a location as its size would allow it to accommodate an aqua park comfortably.
Hickstar also felt the park would add diversity to entertainment options for people in the Central West.
“Michael [Hickey] grew up in Lithgow and understands that unless you have a pool in your backyard or a water ski boat, there wasn’t much to do in the warmer months, especially school holidays,” Ms Hickey said.
“He thought that having an aqua park in a country town would give families the opportunity to do something challenging, different and fun, and be able to have access to water without having to travel hours to the beach.”
Although the progress of the project has been slower, Hickstar have found council “amazing to deal with since the beginning”.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank deputy mayor Bobby Bourke and councillor Alex Christian for their continued support in making this aqua park in Bathurst a reality,” Ms Hickey said.
“Now that we have been given the green light, it’s full steam ahead up until the opening in November.”
The aqua park to be approximately 100 metres long and 50 metres wide, with refreshment kiosk and ticketing facilities nearby.
It will operate seasonally, open Thursday to Sunday every week between November 1 and March 31.
Operations will extend to seven days a week during the school holidays that fall in this period.
