Massive kids zone for 2019 Aus Open

FORGET whining kids, next year’s Australian Open has the perfect solution for parents, with the “second to none” precinct included in the $5 kids ticket. SEE THE PLAN.

A GIANT water slide and climbing walls will be installed in Melbourne Park for next year’s Australian Open in a new kid’s zone that’s three times bigger.

The AO Ballpark will take over the eastern side of the precinct with free entertainment and, in another first, professional onsite childcare.

It will feature a 12m water slide, children’s tennis courts, playgrounds and be accessible with a $5 kids ticket to the Melbourne Grand Slam.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said next year’s activities would be “second to none’’.

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An artist’s image of the Kids Ball Park and water play area for the 2019 Australian Open.

The proposed layout for next year’s event.

“There will be things like a 12m water slide, an early childhood centre and lots of opportunities for families to have their kids just play in the kids zone and enjoy the entertainment,’’ he said.

It is part of several changes to next year’s event including electronic line reviews which can overrule umpires calls on every court and a 25 second serve shot clock in every arena.

A 15-day music festival will be kickstarted by a charity fundraiser for beyondblue on January 13.

And a new extreme heat policy that can call off play and safeguard players and fans will be announced later this year.

Mr Tiley said the new heat policy would be “easier to understand’’.

“We currently have an extreme heat policy and we’re working towards an extreme heat index which will be a little different,’’ he said.

“The research we’ve had around has always been generally for sport and we’ve just completed this year very in depth research specifically for tennis.’’

Spectators find relief from the hot weather in the fountain in Garden Square during the 2018 Australian Open. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The world’s best tennis aces will next year compete for a share of a record $60 million prize pool to be shared equally among men and women.

A first round loser at the January tournament will earn no less than $60,000.

In another addition, new formal practice sessions at Melbourne Park will allow fans to get up close to their favourite players as they face off in sets under simulated match conditions.

“The feedback we get from the fans is that they love getting really close to the players, he said.

“We’re going to keep it that way and we’re going to make it even more available for our fans.’’

National Basketball League champions Melbourne United will take on the Illawarra Hawks in an “AO Game’’ at Melbourne Arena on January 23.

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