The owners of the Canberra Aqua Park would like it to be a fixture on Lake Burley Griffin for the next decade, as long as Canberrans don't tire of it.
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They also plan to open earlier and close later next year.
The inflatable obstacle course on Lake Burley Griffin at Black Mountain Peninsula closes for summer on Sunday evening.
Co-owner Will Yeap said, at last count, it had attracted 17,000 patrons this season compared to 15,000 during its debut season in 2019-20.
That was despite COVID-19 restrictions making this season a month shorter than the year before.
"I live in Melbourne and we couldn't even come over to set up early on because of COVID," he said.
Mr Yeap said the Aqua Park would definitely be open for its final two days, despite showers forecast for this weekend.
"It's more fun in the rain," he said.
After its debut summer in 2019-2020, which was impacted by bushfire smoke, the Aqua Park was also affected this summer by COVID-19 restrictions. But it still had a good season and the future was looking good, Mr Yeap said.
"We plan to operate over the next decade," he said.
The Aqua Park had just finished year one of a three-year licensing agreement with the National Capital Authority to operate on the lake, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Mr Yeap said the three owners of the park wanted it to keep operating for as long as Canberrans desired to use it.
"We're looking at long-term - until people get bored of us," he said, with a laugh.
"So far, it's been good. We've had a lot of returning customers."
The Aqua Park employed two full-time staff and 30 casuals over summer.
Mr Yeap said next summer he hoped the Aqua Park would open in late October and close in late February, in part to encourage more school excursions and other group bookings.
While the operation of the Aqua Park is through an agreement with the National Capital, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr was pleased to see Canberra becoming about more than "monuments and passive observation".
"Canberra's lakes are great community assets. I strongly support innovative, but environmentally appropriate, ideas that allow more people to enjoy our lakes more often," Mr Barr said yesterday.
"Our city continues to evolve to be more about people and active lived experiences rather than monuments and passive observation. This is a great thing. Let there be more of it."
Mr Yeap said the operators had noticed a general increase in use of the lake, including swimming areas near the Aqua Park, which was not affected by algae-related closures of the lake.
The Canberra Aqua Park is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm. The last session of the day starts at 7pm. Bookings at canberraaquapark.com.
Megan Doherty
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
