Super slides make a splash this summer
Published on 13 December 2017
Rockhampton’s major summer drawcard is days away from opening to the public with the brand new slides at the 42nd Battalion Memorial Pool running from this Saturday.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the three 10-metre slides were sure to be a hit with families over the Summer school holidays, but is encouraging people to not all come at once.
“Day by day and piece by piece, the community has eagerly seen these slides come together and the excitement ahead of the opening this Saturday is absolutely enormous among residents,” Mayor Strelow said.
“We are expecting thousands of people to enjoy the slides, but we encourage everyone to not all come at once and to remember that the slides are here to stay now, with all of summer to enjoy them.
“Projects like this and the Cedric Archer Water Park at Gracemere are the best possible Christmas gifts Council can give the community. We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for providing the funds, but we have certainly had the fun of choosing the projects.”
For those eager to secure their waterslide ride this Saturday, tickets can be pre-booked and $2 entry fee paid at the 42nd Battalion Memorial Pool kiosk prior to Saturday, 16 December.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga labelled it a return to glory for the North side pool.
“We announced funding for the Works for Queensland program earlier this year and earmarked projects that would really add to the community’s social and sporting pursuits,” Mrs Lauga said.
“This complex is perfectly located with close proximity to schools and community infrastructure, so it’s the kind of support we want to give back to the community to help provide fun and contemporary facilities for people to enjoy every day.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the slides will offer an adventurous element for teenagers and the young at heart.
“This addresses the needs of our teenagers and young adults by offering a more thrill-seeking option in our recreational parks.
“The previous slides were extremely popular, but over time wear and tear took hold, so we were absolutely thrilled to be bringing them back, to not only give the young kids but also the older kids a place to really enjoy themselves with their friends,” Mr O’Rourke said.
This $1.3 million project was delivered through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.
Things to know before you go
- We know everyone is very excited to try the news slides, and given they are the only public waterslides in our Region, we kindly ask everyone to be patient. The waterslides are open seven days a week, so there will be plenty of opportunities to try them out.
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You can pre-book in person at the pool or you can turn up on the day. If you pre-book you will need to pay in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your sessions start time. No refunds will be given and all riders must meet the height and weight requirements for the slides.
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We are trying to minimise the time you spend queuing for a ride so initially you will be issued with a coloured wristband to slide at a certain time and you can ride as many times as you want during this period. There will be 60 riders per 30 minute period and there are three (3) slides to choose from.
- To ride you must be taller than 1.2m and weigh less than 120 kg.
- Tandem rides are not permitted for safety reasons. There have been a number of tandem related accidents on slides worldwide, so the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover them. As a result incidents or injuries that may occur due to tandem slides will not be insured.
Waterslides opening times these school holidays:
Saturday 16 December 9am to 5:30pm
Sunday 17 December 9am to 5:30pm
From Monday 18 December
Monday to Friday:10am to 5:30pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays:10am to 4:30pm
The waterslides will be closed from 1pm – 2pm daily for maintenance and cleaning.