Council endorses final Oddies Creek Park Splash Park design

The concept design was exhibited for public comment from August this year and attracted strong community interest, with 120 submissions received. Feedback was largely supportive and no changes were required to the concept as a result.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the Splash Park was part of Council’s long-term planning for high-quality public spaces across Albury.

“This project is about planning well for Albury’s future and creating places people genuinely want to spend time in,” Mayor Mack said.

“While the concept design has been endorsed, we are also being realistic about costs and the need for construction to fit within the approved project budget, without placing pressure on Council’s broader finances.”

The new splash park will create Albury Wodonga’s first major designated water-play destination, offering families a safe alternative to river swimming while adding a significant new attraction to Albury’s Riverside Precinct.

The design includes six water-play zones, ranging from calm, nature-based water features through to interactive showers, geysers and water cannons. The concept draws on Murray River themes, with riverine planting, First Nations culture and storytelling, sculptural shade and seating areas designed to support family use and extended visits.

Key features of the project include:

• A fully fenced, consolidated play area linking the existing playground with the new splash park
• Accessible features for people of all abilities
• Retaining the existing off-leash dog area with the addition of a new shelter
• Improved access and parking using the new Australia Park Car Park currently under construction.

The project will be jointly funded, with $2.5 million secured under the Australian Government’s Albury Wodonga Regional Projects program, and up to $2.5 million funded by AlburyCity.

Earlier engagement recorded strong backing for the project, with more than 1,200 responses to the initial Have Your Say survey and 94.6 per cent of respondents supporting the splash park. Local Dyiraamalang Girbang First Nations culture and stories have been incorporated into the concept, with ongoing engagement to continue through the detailed design phase.

Oddies Creek Park is already a major regional destination, attracting up to 200,000 visitors each year to its existing play space. The splash park is expected to further lift visitation while improving amenity, inclusivity and safety for families.

Detailed design will now commence, with broader community suggestions, including additional shade, seating, surface treatments and accessibility measures, to be explored as part of that process.

The final design will be presented to Council before the procurement process begins.

Construction staging will be considered to align with funding and the approved project budget of up to $5 million.