Splash Planet to undergo $2.4 million upgrade
Splash Planet will receive $2.4 million to undergo significant upgrades and equipment replacements ahead of opening for summer in mid-November this year.
The park, which has been managed, funded and governed by Hastings District Council since 2004, is usually open from November through to late March but closed on February 7 this year due to labour shortages.
A report that went to the council yesterday said routine assessments and inspections at the end of last summer revealed a raft of issues over wide areas of the park, which needed operational changes, maintenance, repairs or renewal as part of its end-of-life cycle.
The projected cost of the upgrades was $2.4m, a proportion of which would come from existing operational and capital budgets set aside for the facility, and the rest from loan funding to avoid putting
the costs on ratepayers.
The area behind the main water features will be closed off and the new jeeps and other amusement devices in that area relocated to the front of the park to ensure they are able to be used by visitors.
The kayak facility would also be closed, and this whole area assessed with the potential to be reopened as a public space at some point in the future.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said that Splash Planet was an important recreational park in Hastings, much-loved by visitors and locals alike.
“We know the opening of Splash Planet is a much-anticipated event each summer and we want to make sure it is a fabulous experience.
“Although we acknowledge the cost burdens we are experiencing as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, this attraction is very important to our people and our district, and Council is committed to upgrading the
facility.
“By getting started with these improvements now we have the best chance of re-opening in the middle of November.
“We have tried to keep ticket price rises to a minimum in recent years, but to deliver this improved offering for users and reflect the true cost of operating Splash Planet we will be increasing the per-person
price by between $4 and $6, which will help ensure we can re-open this summer.”
The go-karts will be replaced with electric options, electric outboard motors installed in the bumper boats, and the kitchen/café facility and equipment would be upgraded.
