Two tatty old paddling pools have made way for a new water play area, opening at Ōamaru Public Gardens on Monday.

Since March this year, Specialised Services Group has been hard at work installing the new play area, and a number of other locals and businesses have also joined in the fun.

There are three water pumps and two water jets, and the layout of the area has been modelled after the Waitaki River, with Lakes Benmore and Aviemore represented, along with small dams with sluice gates.

The plans were put together with both young and old in mind, Waitaki District Council parks officer Jane Matchett said.

The tired blue paddling pools are history, but the seals have had a makeover. Photo: Supplied

And it wouldn’t be Waitaki, without the contribution from some of the local creatives - Dugal Armour, Matthew Wicks and Matt King have all played a part. 

Dugal, along with Design Squared Landscape Architects, came up with the design, while Wicksey restored the beloved seals with a holographic paint job.

Matt has created a secret surprise with a nod to the district’s geological history, which is buried in the sand, waiting to be discovered.

For those in charge of supervising children, there are shade sails perched above bench seating – and the lower section of the play area is also covered.

Native planting from Statement Trees has been sponsored by the Oamaru Beautifying Society, and complements the clever natural drainage system, Jane says.

The swings will be reinstated by Ireland Engineering soon, once new safety surfacing has been placed underneath by Numat.

The new wet area, which has been in the planning for years, came in around its allocated $300,000 budget.

The public is invited to the official opening of the water play area at 4pm on Monday afternoon, weather permitting, and Jane says bring a towel.