Belconnen residents are facing a summer without one of their most beloved attractions, with Big Splash in Macquarie seemingly unlikely to reopen for the 2024/25 season.

Despite being well into the Canberra summer, the doors are currently closed at Big Splash, the pools are empty and its website is “under maintenance”.

Earlier this year, the water park announced that its big slides would be out of action all summer due to maintenance work. Now, concerns have emerged that the park may not open at all.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Environment, Peter Cain MLA, a member of the Canberra Liberals, has drawn parallels between the current challenges facing Big Splash and the issues that led to the closure and redevelopment of Phillip Pool. Mr Cain has called on the ACT Government to step in, warning that without support, the community risks losing yet another cherished recreational facility.

“There appear to be some pretty obvious parallels present between what is happening at Big Splash right now, and what was happening at the Phillip Pool in the lead up to its sale to property developers in recent years,” Mr Cain said.

“Maintenance work on outdoor pools, water slides and general facilities is becoming harder and harder to perform for the operators of these facilities, and it is the community that loses out.

“The upkeep costs for outdoor pool facilities such as Big Splash are becoming unsustainable, and without help from the ACT Government, we will lose them.

“Or in the case of Phillip Pool, sold to developers and re-purposed against the community’s wishes, which is a very real possibility for the Big Splash site considering its size and location.

“Summer in Belconnen will be poorer for not having access to Big Splash and the wonderful activities that it offers to residents and visitors, especially children.”

As of yet, neithe the ACT Government or the current owners Big Splash have made comment about the current state of the lease on the site or the potential of a sale.