Water park wanted for young estate

A PETITION is lobbying for a children’s water park in one of Ballarat’s newer suburbs.

Shenae Jeffrey has lived in Lucas for nearly two years, and with the intention of raising her two children there, said she’s wanting something for her kids to enjoy in the area.

“We’ve never really been able to go Sebastopol or Ballarat North because they’re just always overcrowded and we’re always seeing people ask is it worth going?” she said.

“And there’s such a difficulty getting them into a hot car on a summer’s day, so having a place close by would really make this place feel like more of a community.

“There’s obviously still lots of building being done here so it seems like this is something we could really do with.”

After consulting with property developer Integra, Ms Jeffrey is taking her request to the City of Ballarat.

“Integra said they loved the idea and they’d love to help get it across and get it talked about with a community led petition,” she said.

Since going live in late June, the petition has over 230 signatures.

Ms Jeffrey’s subsequent plans include writing to Member for Ripon, Louise Staley, and Labor candidate Martha Haylett.

Letters will also be sent to the City of Ballarat written by Lucas children detailing their desires for the water park.

“I’m told the BMX track in Alfredton came about from that sort of thing, just a boy writing to the City of Ballarat saying he wanted it,” she said.

“So, parents capturing their kids’ replies will be a good push. Adults can say what they want but it’s the kids that make the difference.

“And it doesn’t have to be too extravagant, just something for the kids to cool down in after playing, and it could even attract more people to the area.”