The wait is over: Kyabram Fauna Park officially unveiled its highly anticipated splash park on Friday, October 24.

A Victorian minister, Zoos Victoria representatives and park staff revealed the 580m² splash park, modelled to resemble the endangered broad-shelled turtle.

The splash park is expected to not only give local families a fun way to cool off, but also enhance the park’s visitor experience amid growing patronage.

On top of the water play facility, the park received 2km of new sealed paths, replacing former dirt and gravel tracks to increase accessibility.

Newly arrived animals, including a wombat, quoll, and meerkat, have also seen upgrades to their facilities and revamped green spaces and seating have been installed.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the infrastructure upgrades heralded further opportunities for the town.

“With the open green spaces a little bit removed from the animals, from their homes, we could potentially do community picnic days or movie nights,” he said.

“That is the gift of having an asset which people have invested in for many years that then becomes a real community asset for multiple uses.”

Speaking with Kyabram Fauna Park general manager Paul Lavars, Mr Dimopoulos heard that visitor numbers had jumped from about 7000 people to 75,000 in recent years.

Across the state, Zoos Victoria records more than 2.5 million visitors between its four locations a year.

In Kyabram, Mr Dimopoulos attributed the park’s success to its management team and recognised the township’s important role.

“We honour the contribution of the community,” he said.

“Fifty years of custodianship by the community, who started this project, who saw something special here and then generously allowed the government of Victoria to add it to the zoos’ footprint.”

Funding for a new wildlife hospital was also recently announced, with $2.8 million committed to the project by the Victorian Government.

The purpose-built facility will support the treatment and rehabilitation of native wildlife across northern Victoria.

On weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays, children under 16 receive free admission to the park.

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