Elston Park Water Park
Dubbo, NSW, Australia
Project Details
Location: Dubbo, NSW, Australia
Application: Revitalization | Community Splash Pad
Year of Installation: 2025
Main Features:
- Spiral Tunnel
- Splash Blaster
- Fun-Brella
- Spritz Stick
- Sling Soaker
- Water Weaver 2
- Parasol
- Ogo
Built in 2006, the splash pad at Elston Park Water Park is something of a Waterplay trailblazer! It was one of the very first Waterplay splash pads installed in Australia and, from day one, became a go-to spot for cooling off, catching up, and celebrating just about anything worth celebrating. Birthday parties, retirement send-offs, community gatherings… if there was a reason to splash, it probably happened here.
But even the most loved splash pads need a refresh now and then. Because this was one of Australia’s earliest Waterplay installations, it wasn’t originally built with easy upgrades in mind. Over time, that made it harder to introduce new play experiences or adapt the space as the community grew and needs changed.
When Dubbo Regional Council decided it was time to give Elston Park Water Park a new lease on life, they reached out to the Waterplay Australia team to see what was possible.
The Challenge
As one of Australia’s earliest Waterplay splash pads, Elston Park Water Park was built before playPHASE™ bases became standard. Without Waterplay’s flush-to-grade anchoring system in place, the original splash pad features were fixed permanently into the concrete. This meant that any updates would typically require a full demolition and rebuild of the space.
Beyond the play features themselves, the council was also looking to modernize the water treatment and control systems. Increasing the size of the holding tank and upgrading treatment equipment were essential steps to bring the splash pad up to current New South Wales health codes and requirements, ensuring that the space would be able to continue to serve the community for years to come.
The challenge was clear - how could the space be refreshed, modernized, and future-proofed without starting from scratch?
The Solution
Instead of a full demolition, the Waterplay Australia team offered a smarter, more flexible path forward. The plan they proposed was to cut out the original features and bases, then replace them with Waterplay’s playPHASE bases. Compatible with any Waterplay splash pad features, these bases make it easy to swap, add, or update elements over time. They are designed to grow with your splash pad, allowing the features to be swapped out to refresh the space without needing a major overhaul every few years.
By tying the new playPHASE bases into the existing plumbing points, Dubbo Regional Council would gain the freedom to refresh the splash pad whenever the community is ready for something new. After reviewing their options, the council chose to move forward with this plan and the revitalization got underway.
The Implementation
From start to splash, the revitalization came together smoothly. playPHASE bases and features were installed right into the existing splash pad footprint. Once the upgraded water treatment system was in place, the installation team fine-tuned the water flow across the pad to make sure every spray, splash, and surprise worked exactly as intended.
To bring the entire space together, a fresh On-Crete finish was applied across the surface, covering the original cutouts, giving the splash pad a clean, updated look, and ensuring that it would be safe for the little feet running across the splash pad. New Shade Sails were installed and the support posts were repainted, adding both visual polish and welcome shade for families playing under the Australian sun.
The refreshed splash pad is now full of modern Waterplay features that keep the energy high and the water moving. Kids can race through the Spiral Tunnel, dance around the Water Weaver 2, trigger sprays with the Spritz Stick, and challenge each other to splash battles with the Splash Blaster. The Sling Soaker’s translucent bucket builds anticipation as it slowly fills before tipping into a big, crowd-pleasing splash. An Ogo brings a splash of personality to the space, while a Fun-Brella offers a playful sensory moment where kids can duck under the water and pop back out without missing a beat.
Ground sprays placed throughout the pad help guide movement and keep the play flowing, while a touch-activated Power Post adds an interactive twist to the space. With a simple touch, kids can start a timed water sequence that automatically shuts off when play wraps up, conserving water and making them feel like they are running the show.
The Outcome
Newly reopened in December 2025, Elston Park Water Park is proof that a splash pad does not need to start over to feel brand new. By building on what was already loved and adding flexibility for the future, Dubbo Regional Council turned a well-worn favourite into a space that is ready for whatever comes next.
With playPHASE bases in place and a lineup of modern Waterplay features, the splash pad can continue to grow and change alongside the community. The result is a refreshed, future-ready destination where families can gather, cool off, and keep the splashing going for many summers to come.
Project Partners:
- Aquatic Construction Group (Installation)
- Dubbo Regional Council
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