Families visiting Rocks Riverside Park were met with fencing and warning tape instead of water play, after a multimillion dollar upgrade was shut down only days after reopening, following reports of children slipping and getting injured.
Families Raise Safety Concerns
The closure occurred on the 14th of December, just days after the upgraded water play area reopened, during the peak school holiday period. Parents reported children falling on wet surfaces, with images shared online showing scratches and grazes. Some families said the area felt unsafe within minutes of entering.
Parents who arrived with children in swimmers said they were surprised to find the water play area closed without warning. Several families had travelled specifically to visit the upgraded space.
Some parents reported seeing multiple children slip in a short period of time, raising concerns about surface grip once water was running. Parents questioned how the surface passed safety checks before opening, given the number of incidents reported so quickly after reopening.
Council Response And Investigation
Brisbane City Council confirmed it received complaints about slippery surfaces in the splash zone. Council stated it is investigating the issue and working with the contractor responsible for the upgrade. The area was closed as a precaution while further checks are carried out.
Council advised that slip testing was completed before reopening and met required Australian safety standards. Despite this, the water play area remains closed, with no confirmed date for reopening.
Impact On Community And Summer Plans
The water play area was closed for nearly six months before reopening as part of a major upgrade costing about $3.5 million. For many local families, the space is a key summer attraction, especially during hot weather and school holidays.
Parents have expressed disappointment and concern, saying the closure limits free outdoor options for children during summer.
Published 22-December-2025
