A rocket-themed water play area featuring a tipping bucket, ground sprays and water cannons could be coming to Moree’s Kirkby Park.
Moree Plains Shire Council endorsed the conceptual layout for the project at its ordinary meeting on Thursday, September 17.
The proposed splash area would continue the space theme of the park, known locally as the Rocket Park, and include a custom rocket ship with a tipping bucket and nine surface-level ground sprays.
Additional above-ground features, including custom rocket ship water cannons, could also be installed if the budget allows.
“These plans for our iconic rocket park are really exciting,” Mayor Susannah Pearse said.
“Our community has been asking for a splash play area for quite some years, and the team have done a terrific job in designing something which ties into the space theme of the park and builds on the recent additions to create a great family space.”
Kirkby Park has featured a rocket since 1972, with a larger rocket installed in 2009 to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy and the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing.
The park’s original rocket, built in 1972 by Dick West, recently received state heritage listing.
The space theme also recognises Moree’s role in broadcasting the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, when its Overseas Telecommunications Commission satellite facility helped relay footage captured by the Parkes telescope to the rest of the world.
Council has previously used grant funding to install an Octa-net and swing set and extend the children’s bike path, helping restore play facilities following damage last year.
The proposed water play area would build on those improvements and provide another recreational option for families, particularly during Moree’s warmer months.
The concept includes active and passive water play areas.
The active area would centre on the custom rocket ship and nine ground sprays, with the water activated by a push button and operating for a predetermined period to control water use.
The passive area would feature a concrete channel with three weirs that children could raise and lower, allowing water to pool before being released through the play area.
The design has been developed to prevent water from splashing onto the nearby children’s bike path.
Councillors also raised community calls for improved shade and fencing at Kirkby Park during the September meeting.
Council staff said the shade infrastructure was subject to an insurance claim and would be installed if the claim was approved.
Improved fencing has also been identified as a priority for future stages as funding becomes available.
Following council’s endorsement, the project will move to a design-and-construct tender, with work expected to begin in the coming months.
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