Leeton's twin-ring waterslide reopens as Wagga and Griffith look on with envy

The waterslide in Leeton that proved a huge hit last summer can be used again. Photo: Leeton Shire Council.

Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre’s nine-metre-high twin-ring waterslide reopened on Saturday (2 November) with a ride height restriction that has been lowered by 30 cm.

“Following a successful and incident-free first season, and discussions with its insurer, [Leeton] Council has reduced the ride height to 90 cm (down from 120 cm) in an effort to enable more kids to experience the exhilarating slides,” the council said in a statement.

The waterslide opened last summer, when it became an instant hit. As there are no waterslides at the pools in Wagga and Griffith, many residents from the Riverina’s largest towns make the trek to Leeton to enjoy these facilities.

Leeton Council’s operations director Silas Darby said it was important to note that any children using the slide must be able to independently and confidently climb the stairs and use the slide.

“The safety of our patrons remains council’s biggest priority and slide attendants will actively assess riders’ ability to access and safely ride the water slides,” he said.

“Unchanged is the rule that all rides are to remain single with no double-up riding allowed, including parents and children. This will continue to be strictly applied. Council would also like to remind patrons that swimwear must be worn and jewellery taken off prior to using the slide.”

Younger kids can now use the slide. Photo: Leeton Shire Council.

The slides are free to use and are open from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on weekdays and 1:30 to 4:30 pm on weekends during normal operating hours, subject to weather and patronage.

The kiosk at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre is open from 3:30 to 7 pm on weekdays and 1:30 to 7 pm on weekends.

The lack of waterslides in Wagga and Griffith has been a constant gripe among residents, who are also still unable to swim in the main lake of their respective town. Last year, a poll of Region Riverina readers revealed that 71 per cent of respondents would like to see water parks as the top priority of their council when it comes to new recreational facilities.

While the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre does not have a waterslide, it will be reintroducing a water polo social competition at 6:15 pm on Thursday 14 November.

These weekly sessions are open to all confident swimmers of any age and skill level. Each week, participants are given 30 minutes of skill and drill training followed by 30 minutes of a water polo game.

Water polo in Griffith is growing in popularity. Photo: Griffith City Council.

The sport was trialled in February, March and April this year and attracted large numbers of participants. Newcomers are welcome to attend.

Wagga City Council has expressed its desire to build waterslides and a splash park when upgrading its Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, but says it will first need grant funding.

Nevertheless, its 50-m pool is open and now operating according to summer hours – Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 6 pm.

The council has extended its Friday closing time to align with the rest of the weekdays, so it is now open half an hour earlier on weekends.