$13 million public swimming spot looks the goods

IF YOU were looking for proof that the Robelle Lagoon project was on track for an early September opening, then the latest pictures should do the trick.

PROGRESS: The finishing touches are being put on Robelle Lagoon. Picture: Contributed

IF YOU were looking for proof that the enormous Robelle Lagoon project was on track for an early September opening, then the latest pictures from Ipswich City Council should do the trick.

With the major construction phase now out of the way, the finishing touches are now being put on the $13 million outdoor aquatic fun centre.

City parks spokesman David Morrison said the lagoon was destined to be one of the most popular pieces of public infrastructure in south-east Queensland.

"I was down there yesterday and all that is left to finish is a bit of landscaping and the fitout of the kiosk," Cr Morrison said.

"The water has been in for six weeks which has given the filtration system a good early workout."

Waiting for Ipswich families on the first Saturday of this spring is more than 3500 sqm of lagoon and open space.

The lagoon itself will feature a main body of 1.5m depth, in addition to a multi-level area ranging from 30-60cm depth.

There's also a shallow kids' play area with water squirters and stepping stones.

All together the lagoon holds roughly 2.75 million litres of water, all of which will be turned over once every two hours thanks to a state-of-the-art filtration system.

Unlike Brisbane's artificial beach at South Bank, there will be no sand at Robelle Lagoon, with designers preferring to use artificial turf - mainly due to health concerns associated with sand.

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Best of all for local families, the lagoon is free for all.

Cr Morrison asked parents to bear in mind that while the lagoon would employ lifeguards and be monitored 24 hours a day by the Safe City network, any child under 12 would have to be supervised at all times by an adult.

The grand opening on September 5 will feature swimming legend Lawrie Lawrence as a special guest, with markets on in Robelle Domain parkland and fireworks from 7.30pm.

Paid parking off David Henry Way will be free on the day of the opening, but is only $5 a day at other times of the year.

The lagoon features several different depths. Picture: Contributed

Robelle Lagoon progess

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Originally published as $13 million public swimming spot looks the goods