A water play park with a playground and spaces for all community members will be opening later this year, when COVID-19 restrictions ease, thanks to a partnership between Council, the Federal Government and the Warburton community.
The Warburton Water World is a new recreation precinct for the community, replacing the former Warburton Outdoor Pool with a new playground, water play areas and spaces for community groups to hold events.
O'Shannassy Ward Councillor, Jim Child, said the Water World would become one of the Yarra Valley's most visited play areas in warmer months.
"We know that everyone in the community loves our water play parks at Lillydale Lake and at Seville Recreation Reserve," Cr Child said.
"This park will be something on a whole different scale. Think gigantic slides, water buckets, jets and plenty of places to play when it's too cold for the water.
Council contacted primary schools in the area earlier this year, to decide on a name for the Warburton Community Recreation Precinct.
Millwarra and Warburton primary school students chose Warburton Water World as the formal name, to represent the different play activities at the park.
"This spot has a lot of significance to the community, as many residents will have memories of the former pool and afternoons spent enjoying a dip in the sun," Cr Child said.
"We've planned this precinct with this in mind and know this will become a spot for families to make new memories, have fun with friends and return to for years to come.
"We are aware that the community has expressed concern in regards to parking at Warburton Water World. We've kept that in mind when planning this area and we'll have a dedicated car park ready as soon as we can to serve the new Warburton Water World.
"When the COVID-19 situation eases and restrictions are loosened, we'll be planning an opening event for the water world – I promise it'll be worth the wait.
"I'd like to thank the Federal Government, the Warburton Advancement league and the Warburton Sports Centre Committee for partnering with us on this project."
Federal Member for Casey, Tony Smith, said that, once opened, community members would flock to the new park in warmer months.
"I think the Warburton Community will be delighted with the new spaces and play equipment at the Warburton Water World," Mr Smith said.
"This is a space that the community haven't used since the closure of the pool and it's fantastic that we've been able to keep water play in the area, for when the warmer months come around.
"When things are safer in the community from the COVID-19 pandemic, I'll look forward to welcoming the community to use this space and enjoy all it has to offer."
The Federal Government has provided $1.7m for the project through its Regional Growth Fund, the Warburton Advancement League has provided $20,000 for a train engine with junior slide and the Warburton Sports Centre Committee has provided $120,000 to contribute towards the remaining playspace items.
Yarra Ranges Council has contributed $2.8m to the project.
