THE PROPOSAL: Park designs set to make a splash

THE City of Greater Bendigo has received a positive response to plans for a splash park in Long Gully.

The Long Gully Recreational Reserve is earmarked to house wet and dry playground areas by the end of 2014.

People have an opportunity to vote on their favourite park design from three possibilities - a gold rush theme, a giant scorpion and a giant spider. 

The council's active and healthy communities manager Patrick Jess said he had received a great response from the general public about the splash park.

"Feedback has been very positive," he said.

"We have only had positive comments about the designs.

"All feedback from schools and general community members has been really good.

"We are looking forward to getting the splash park to the stage where we go ahead with construction."

Mr Jess said there was a clear leader in the contest for the winning design.

"We have had approximately 100 votes and 50 per cent has been for the gold rush theme," he said.

"There is still time for anyone to vote.

"Votes close on May 9."

Residents can mail their vote to the City of Greater Bendigo, Attn. Lincoln Fitzgerald, P.O Box 733, Bendigo 3552 or enter online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/splashpark

Playground and splash park specialist Vortex has been awarded the tender for the project, worth $567,138.

"This project stems back to the council's aquatic facilities strategy," Mr Jess said.

"It was decided to close the existing Long Gully pool as it was unable to meet the community's needs.

"This new play area reflects the needs of the local community."

Mr Jess said the Long Gully Community Recreation Taskforce was created to work with the council to consider the community's needs.

"The existing recreation reserve has an oval and a recently upgraded community pavilion along with a newly developed men's shed," he said.

"The splash park will sit among these facilities.

"There will be a shaded barbecue area with lots of seating.

"We aimed to make it a family environment to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities

"We are hoping this reserve as a whole will be an asset for Long Gully for a good amount of time."

Mr Jess said the park was scheduled for completion before summer.

"All three designs will consist of a splash park as well as a dry playground," he said.

"There will be a fence to surround the splash park at all times.

"All year round the dry playground will be accessible."