THE future of the ageing Maylands Waterland park is at stake with Bayswater council facing a big repair bill if it’s to stay operational.
The place opened in the late 70s and is nearing the end of its operating life.
It’ll cost around $2.7m to $2.9m to fix, plus another $220,000 to run between November and April — and that’s after entry fees are taken into account).
The play equipment and rubber soft fall surfaces are being eaten away by bore water, and this year could be its last.
A council report from March says “much of the equipment should have already been replaced, however due to the uncertain future of the Maylands Waterland, where possible the equipment has been patched to extend usage without replacement”.
Some locals have called for an earlier opening time so the kids can have a splash before the height of the summer sun (it currently opens at 10am). Maylands ward councillors Catherine Ehrhardt is running an online poll to survey thoughts on this and will move a motion at the December meeting to investigate whether it’s a good idea.
The council will decide by April 2017 and community consultation is open now at engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
Leave a comment