Wagga City Council has hit back at residents branding the Oasis Aquatics Centre as “boring” and “not family friendly”, following another setback at the multi-million dollar facility.
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Residents vented their frustration en masse after council announced a significant indoor tiling upgrade was required to replace the existing terracotta floor, estimating work would begin within the next four months.
It’s the last straw for a number of Wagga families, some of whom are drifting away to rival pools.
“We don’t take our kids to The Oasis anymore,” said Wagga father Marc Vincent.
“As a young bloke, I used to spend all day there on the slides and diving, but I don’t think it’s particularly family friendly anymore.”
Mr Vincent said he’d rather take his children to Wagga Beach or make the drive out to Lake Talbot Aquatic Park than deal with The Oasis.
“The river’s great fun and the facilities at Narrandera are excellent,” he said.
“We’d go there at least three or four times during the holidays and I know families who travel to Narrandera to avoid The Oasis.”
Wagga resident Fiona Geale is another who regularly makes the trip to Narrandera, saying there’s simply not enough in town to keep her five nieces and one grandson entertained.
“At least there is something for the kids and adults to do at Lake Talbot,” she said.
“The Oasis is boring and I just don’t think it’s worth the time and money to go there.”
Wagga man James Greatrex suggested council considering transforming the centre into a water park, something Mr Vincent strongly agreed with.
“They would be making plenty of money at Narrandera with the slides,” he added.
Commercial operations director Caroline Angel defended the facility, citing multiple activities on offer.
“The Oasis has a number of popular recreation activities throughout the year … such as the water balls and a variety of inflatables,” she said.
Ms Angel also drew attention to the community consultation held regarding the Bolton Park Master Plan.
“(The plan) provides a vision for growth and development of the entire Bolton Park precinct - the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, Bolton Park Stadium, Robertson Oval, tennis centre and skate park.”
“A slide and splash pad facility will be considered as part of the plan.”