On a chilly autumn Saturday, more than 300 Canberrans gathered at the Big Splash water park in Macquarie to show their support and defend its future.Organised by the Save Big Splash group, the event involved a large human chain, symbolically hugging the park.Supporters held signs emphasising the importance of water-based recreational facilities over potential hotel developments.Big Splash, which has entertained generations of locals, is facing demolition threats after the private owner went into receivership in January.

The owner has proposed to remove the slides and operate only a limited 50-metre pool temporarily, with potential plans for a hotel and a smaller indoor pool in the future.Local politicians, including Sport Minister Yvette Berry and ACT Greens leader Jo Clay, attended and pledged engagement with the park’s mortgagees.

Save Big Splash has collected over 7,500 signatures urging the ACT government to retain the facility for public use and oppose redevelopment that removes the slides.The organisers stress the importance of accessible community spaces and warn that once lost, such recreational sites cannot be replaced.

Amelia Tattam, founder of Save Big Splash, emphasised that the park is a key part of Canberra’s community life and should be preserved for future generations.