Hervey Bay Water Park
The Hervey Bay Water Park was officially opened last Sunday and without a doubt it’s the most popular place in Hervey Bay. Every time any of the Gossip’s crew have been past it the place has been packed and we’re not even into the school holidays yet.
Unfortunately it seems that someone forgot to allow for sufficient parking spaces and every day this week there have been a large number of cars parked under the trees on the Point Vernon side of the roundabout. That’s a problem that’s sure to get worse once the school holidays start.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
The trouble with all these type of projects is, just what is “sufficient parking”?
What is the capacity of Wetside, how often will it be full to capacity, who many there will have cars?
The answer to all these questions is, how long is a piece of string?
I can think of nothing worse than a foreshore given over to car parks.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I can’t think of anything worse that a foreshore lined with car parks either Jon but that’s a busy area and now it’s even busier. I just wonder if cars parking under those trees … excited kids running across the road … cars backing out into traffic … isn’t all a recipe for a mess one hot afternoon.
Besides, the Council does not have a good record when it comes to allocating sufficient parking spots in a number of other places around the town.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Stuart,
I was hoping when the council removed the fence around the oval it would be replaced with a new one. No such luck it appears, so yes, there is a risk with young children
I was there for the grand opening and parked near by without much trouble. I’d hate to see more concrete and bitumen take over from the grass.
December 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I think and agree with- what is “sufficient parking”? We all know they never allow for enough parking spaces when they build things like this, and really if they did put in more parking then we would whinge that its ugly and its taking up to much of our recreational area.
Yes the water park is in a bit of a icky spot and yes it doe’s not have enough parking.
If parents supervise their children whilst they are crossing the road (which is what they should be doing) and drivers slow down, and are highly aware of kids in that area then the danger aspect should take a sufficient drop….
All that aside i have taken my children to the water park and they love it and i must say i loved it too. Its free!!, they have shaded area’s, a coffee shop with lunch facilities and ice cream!!! The toilet facilities are great they even have a baby change table, they also have included a first aid room.
What i was very impressed with was all the informative facts about water that they have spread around the parks educational areas, in such a water conscious town, my children have some where to go play, have fun but also to learn the importance of water and why we need it and must not waste it. The water used is all recyced and we are very into recycling so that was another great point to show my children.
I think council has done a great job in the big scheme of things…
December 15th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I wonder why the opening time is 10am, have you seen the crowds waiting to get in at 9.55? – Maybe opening a little earlier would suit the patrons more.
Sure, we can get by without much car parking but spare a thought for the families who have driven from Gayndah, Gympie or Bundaberg.
The catchment area and short-stay tourism potential are only now becoming apparent.
December 18th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Went to past Wetside today (18/12/09) at around 1130hrs. Big crowd in Wetside, cars parked under trees around roundabout. But car park next to new toilet block EMPTY !!!! Car park between wetside and toilet block EMPTY!!!!! There appears to be no shortage of parking, rather people don’t want, or can’t walk 50 or 60 metres.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Jon every time I’ve driven down the Esplanade when the Water Park has been open no one has been parked in that car park.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Hey guys, get over the car park “problems” (been to Brisbane lately), its a great place to take kids, we loved it on holidays, great drawcard and FREE how can you beat that!!! Walking is underrated – enjoy the beauty around you and the priviledge you have living in Hervey Bay, many others are going through tragic circumstances and can’t even drive anywhere so enjoy the blessings you have….every moment with your children is precious so good on you Hervey Bay we are coming back for sure!