An innovative new surface at the popular Springfield Water Park at Robelle Domain parklands is set to improve drainage and last longer.
An Ipswich City Council team worked with a tiling company to create the new interlocking tiles, which are more effective, cheaper and easier to maintain the rubber compound surface it’s replaced.
The polypropylene tiles are recyclable and have two parts that clip together to help drain the water from the tipping bucket, which dumps 200 litres on the ground every 30 seconds.
General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment Charlie Dill said it was an ingenious solution.
“It’s the first time in the world that this product has been used,” Mr Dill said.
“The old rubber was packed so tightly that the water wasn’t draining, and it was causing the rubber to compact and break up.
“This new tile has a locking tile on top that clicks in- the dark blue goes down first and the light blue goes on top, then the four corners link together and you just use soap and a roller to clip them into place.”
Council staff worked with Australian company, CombiTile, to create the new and improved design, featuring a locking tile to click the flooring together and ensure water would not pool below the tipping bucket.
Mr Dill said the surfacing solution was already generating a lot of interest around Australia.
“Cabramatta Council have already come up to take a look at it and Sunshine Coast Council are coming down. Everyone’s really excited about how they can use it in similar environments,” he said.
Springfield Water Park attracts thousands of visitors every weekend over summer. It includes water play and activity areas for all members of the family.
The free-standing aqua activity area includes jet sprays and a tipping water bucket and is free for people to enjoy.
How many times has that surface been replaced now? The expense is horrendous.