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Yarra Ranges Splash Park set to reopen after upgrades

Yarra Ranges Splash Park set to reopen after upgrades
September 13, 2012

Yarra Ranges Council is set to reopen its Seville Water Play Park for the 2102/13 summer.

The zero-depth water spray ground closed in mid-January after an outbreak of gastroenteritis among children who had played in its water and laboratory tests had shown the presence of heightened levels of E coli bacteria and coliforms in that water.

The custom-built spray ground reopened in March for the closing weeks of the summer season as a result of Yarra Ranges Council having implemented new maintenance and operational schedules and their investment in infrastructure improvements to improve the operations of the facility and advise/educate people on safe use of the water play park.

Council Executive Officer Recreation Services Ben Bainbridge explains that the process began with Council conducting a risk assessment over a three- week period, Bainbridge stating "the risk assessment identified a need to further develop the procedures for chemical/water treatment, the cleaning and maintenance schedule and to conduct regular water testing.

"In addition, a number of infrastructure works were identified to meet the procedural challenges and to manage the use of the facility.

"We have since installed or about to install signage, a super chlorination pump, chlorine pipe sensors to monitor chlorine levels, an automatic controller that can be operated from the office, a timber style fence that delineates between the treated water play area and the natural non treated rock play area, an outdoor shower and drinking fountains..

"The water play surface and tank was thoroughly cleaned and the tank refilled and water dosed with chlorine.

"The biggest issue we faced was maintaining the water quality across the large expanse of the water play surface. The radiation - from sunlight - was affecting the water to a degree that was unacceptable for people to interact with.

"The water is now being maintained at 5 to 6 ppm chlorine with 7.2 ph balance when in operation. This level is consistent with the 3 to 8 ppm chlorine with 7.2 – 7.7 ph balance, agreed to with State Government Health Department officers. Previously, we were maintaining the chlorine levels at 3 ppm chlorine consistent with accepted dosing levels for an outdoor (swimming) pool.

"The maintenance and operations schedule now specifies daily, weekly and monthly actions along with a winterisation, shut down and reopening procedures. It includes a very specific cleaning method for the plexi surface."

Signage at the upgraded aquatic play park was also important addition, Bainbridge explaining that "we found that people were not interacting with the water appropriately – such as babies (using it) without swim nappies.

"Signs we have in place now provide (a) history of the site; orientate people to the different activities and areas at the park, including what water is treated and untreated, and safety rule signs identified on the orientation sign and with individual signs placed on the site."

The following safety information is now communicated:

• Do not drink the water

• Do not use water fountains to wash hands

• Children who are not toilet trained must use swim nappies covered by rubber pants. Please ensure they are snug fitting at the waist and legs

• Do not use water play park if you had diarrhoea within the last two weeks

• No pets allowed on the water play area

• No glass or sharp objects are allowed on the water play area

• Be aware that the water in the natural area is untreated and is no different to a natural water way. Appropriate caution should be observed

• Please use the drinking fountain, wash basins and outdoor shower provided

• Please use the baby change area in the public toilet.

While the closure of the water spray ground in January attracted attention in local news media, Bainbridge highlight that social media was an "important aspect of the experience".

The Seville Water Play Facebook page was heavily visited at the time, with, Bainbridge explains "Council deciding to enter into this space to respond to the community in addition to the traditional newspaper, website and notice signs.

"Initial responses on the Facebook page were negative, however, through Council providing regular updates on what we knew, what we didn't know and what we were doing about it, the feedback turned positive.

"This media channel was a highly effective way to manage the message and debate within the community (and) we also used the Facebook page to promote the reopening of the facility."

Commenting on the issues with the water spray ground, industry insiders have suggested many of the problems at the Seville Water Play Park arise from the spray ground being custom-built with Yarra Ranges Council choosing to ignore existing suppliers of quality controlled water spray ground equipment.

9th February 2012 - ILLNESSES LEAD TO CLOSURE OF YARRA RANGES SPLASH PARK


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