Council’s $100,000 works on The Strand’s water park

The faded Strand water park will look like a brand new playground when it reopens with bright and flashy colours after a $100,000 refurbishment. Get a sneak peek and see when it will open.

The faded Strand water park will look like a brand new water playground when it reopens with bright and flashy colours on Saturday, August 10, after a $100,000 refurbishment.

The North Ward water park has been fenced off since July 8 as the Townsville City Council has worked on recertification, a mechanical overhaul which includes its bucket, and a new paint job.

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said the council had been able to save on costs significantly as it used its own council staff to give an overhaul to the park’s water cannons, which would be $15,000 to replace.

He said the waterpark had more than 150,000 visitors each year and that the upgrades offered “exceptional value” as there were parts overdue for a touch-up.

The water park has been fenced off and closed as part of a month shutdown.

“Considering how well-utilised the water park is, it was important that we timed the project correctly, which is why we waited till the cooler winter months, where usage typically drops just after school holidays,” Mr Thompson said.

The Brilliant Group painter Malcolm Reynolds works at The Strand waterpark. Picture: Chris Burns

“Council prides itself on the service we pride to the community, which includes maintaining our assets, but with 150,000 sets of feet running around every year, it is inevitable things will break and wear over time.

“During the water park’s recertification by the company that refurbished it around nine years ago, they expressed their admiration for its maintenance and current condition, especially considering its heavy use and seaside location.”

Commercial painting company The Brilliant Group had been contracted to repaint the waterpark.

The Brilliant Group painter Sam Warner shows off the work being done at The Strand waterpark. Picture: Chris Burns

The Brilliant Group’s Project Manager Manford Reed said the crew was working hard to complete the “iconic Townsville feature”.

“As a proud, locally-owned Indigenous business we’re really pleased to be working on the waterpark’s refurbishment.

“There’s not too many workplaces that provide a better view, especially at this time of year.”

Originally published as Council’s $100,000 works on The Strand’s water park