Water play may become a feature of Redlands parks in the future following a decision by Redland City Council today to investigate options for installing water-based play equipment in the city.

Division six Councillor Julie Talty today called for a briefing paper about installing water-play equipment in playgrounds, citing the infrastructure was popular with local families, who currently visited water-play parks in surrounding cities.

“Imagine if we had water-play equipment in our city, interactive water features that would rival the beautiful whales at the Wynnum Water Park or the fantastic water fountains at Darlington Parklands, Yarrabilba,” she said.

“Throughout the school holidays, parents have travelled to these popular parks for their children to enjoy free water-based playgrounds and they’re questioning why we don’t have such community facilities locally. I agree with them – why not in the Redlands?

“Today’s decision is the first step and will investigate the type of water-play equipment available in neighbouring cities, how it works and the approximate cost to install and maintain it.”

A briefing paper about water-based play facilities in neighbouring cities will be returned to Council for consideration at a future workshop.

Cr Talty said Council would use the information to make an informed decision about the feasibility of pursuing the idea further.

“Modern playgrounds range from simple, prefabricated ‘plug and play’ designs to elaborate, custom-themed, iconic structures and it’s important we know the options before pursuing this idea further,” she said.

“From the River Heart Parklands in Ipswich to Brisbane’s Rocks Riverside Park and the Redcliffe Lagoon, the number of new and refurbished water-based playgrounds in neighbouring cities has grown in recent years.

“The fact that Redlands families are prepared to travel to visit these parks is testament to the popularity of this type of infrastructure.

“Enhancing our local parks with water-play equipment would ensure the Redlands is known as a destination of choice for families from near and far seeking a fun, affordable day out.”