THE much-troubled AquaSphere at the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre will be dismantled in the wake of several incidents where swimming centre goers were injured on the slide.
Two boys were injured on the AquaSphere slide in February and the ride was closed by PARC management pending investigations into the slide’s safety.
One of the boys was concussed and the other suffered a fractured elbow.
The AquaSphere was also previously closed for ten months after two adults suffered head injuries on the slide in August 2014.
Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said council is “delighted” PARC “have taken the necessary actions and precautions to ensure the safety and overall experience of families who visit and use their facilities.”
“Replacement of the slide at PARC is being done at no additional cost to council, with regular testing and maintenance set to be undertaken to ensure the safety of all patrons using the new slide.”
The 79-metre high AquaSphere, was billed as “a thrilling family raft ride featuring high-speed twists and drops, fully enclosed spheres and 90 degree corners” by US manufacturer Whitewater West.
The slide featured raft rides for two to four people.
Cr Cunial said PARC is operated by Peninsula Leisure, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frankston Council, and any legal claims would be referred to respective insurers.
“No formal legal action has been brought against either party,” he said last week.
