The Myrtleford community is celebrating the official opening of the highly anticipated Myrtleford Splash Park, a vibrant new recreational space designed to support community wellbeing and recovery following the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires.
Located on Lewis Avenue, the site of the former Myrtleford Scout Hall, the splash park was born from a community-driven vision and brought to life through collaboration between the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce, Alpine Shire Council, and the Australian Government.
The project received full funding of $2.25 million through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, which aims to support the recovery and resilience of bushfire-affected communities by investing in infrastructure, jobs, and social connection.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, officially opened the park, acknowledging the significance of the project for Myrtleford’s future.
"This splash park is a testament to the vision and determination of the Myrtleford community," Cr Nicholas said.
"It supports physical and mental wellbeing, encourages outdoor activity, and strengthens community connections, and above all, it’s a space for joy, laughter, and togetherness."
Member for Indi, Helen Haines MP, joined the celebrations and applauded the Myrtleford community for leading the charge on this fantastic initiative.
“This splash park is community-led – the most powerful kind of recovery project," she said.
“It shows that when community drives the vision, and all levels of government work together, we can achieve great results.”
Chamber President, Jim van Geet, said the opening of the Splash Park marked a proud moment for Myrtleford.
It's gratifying to see the Splash Park come to fruition as a facility for the entire community," he said.
"A design concept incorporating the Myrtleford streetscape with a platypus theme pays tribute to this wonderful environment."
The splash park features a platypus-themed water play area, inspired by the local platypus population in nearby Happy Valley Creek, and includes cantilever water features, arbours, and shelters that echo the architectural style of Myrtleford’s town centre and parks.
The Myrtleford Splash Park is now open to the public just in time for the September school holidays, and is located just over the bridge on Lewis Avenue - beside the Myrtleford Bowls Club.