Kids pour on the fun

WITH summer on the horizon kids are getting their togs on ready to really enjoy the new water play park at Seville.
The official opening was in February this year, where Seville children had braved the rainy day with squeals of delight to show the success of the town’s new water play park.
The $1.4 million project had been several years in the making, replacing the old swimming pool that had fallen into disrepair.
The area includes a rock fountain, numerous water jets and water circulation equipment.
One of the integral members of the project’s committee, Rosemary Varty, said the water play park was a pace setter, “just as the Seville War Memorial Baths were when they opened in December 1956.”
Ms Varty said the designers, Hassell Partners, understood the need to preserve something of the old pool in the design of the new.
“Those of you who knew the old pool will quickly recognise the sections that have been retained.
“The designers also developed the wonderful concept of telling the story of water in the Yarra Valley, from its origins in the Warburton Ranges, through the horticultural and agricultural areas to its final exodus to water storages, the city and the ocean,” she said.
Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said it had been great to hear the children’s squeals of delight.
“This is something unique to Seville, and it will attract many people here,” he said.
“I can see this being, as the original pool was, a fantastic addition to the community of Seville that will bring everyone together for many years to enjoy the facility.”
CrWarren said the icing on the cake for him was the approval from his grandchildren.
“They said ‘Gramps, this is just fantastic’, which was particularly pleasing to hear,” he said.
Mayor Terry Avery said it was the first water play park to be constructed in the Yarra Ranges.
“It’s great to see a new development within the community that offers a recreational activity for young children in a safe environment,” he said.
Councillors Samantha Dunn, Tim Heenan, Noel Cliff, and Len Cox also attended the opening, along with Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe and Casey MP Tony Smith. Yarra Ranges Council contributed $1.2 million to the project with a further $190,000 provided by the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package.
So keep the bathers and a spare towel in the car because a drive through Seville will mean a mandatory stop at the park, the first of its kind in the Yarra Ranges and the eastern suburbs.