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In a bold move aimed at combining traffic safety with family fun and disaster mitigation, Hawkesbury City Council has announced plans to turn all 42 roundabouts in the region into miniature waterparks by the end of 2026.
A Council spokesperson said:
“We want to ensure drivers and pedestrians alike enjoy the journey. Each roundabout will feature a small slide, splash pool, and even a mini lazy river for cyclists and pedestrians to cool off during the summer months.”
The initiative is part of the Council’s new “Traffic & Splash” program, which officials claim will address key economic drivers and disaster mitigation problems facing the region by:
- Reduce speeding by up to 50% as people stop and marvel at these unique local features
- Increase local tourism with family-friendly “roundabout water tours”
- Act as local refuges where people can shelter from bushfires.
- Have fittings that allow fire trucks to refill with water for fire fighting.
- Assist with flood mitigation by moving water away from flood prone areas.
Local reaction is mixed. One resident commented:
“I just knew the Council would come up will a sensible solution to all our problems if we waited long enough...”
Council has also teased plans for night-time disco lighting and synchronized fountain shows at major intersections.
Disclaimer: While the idea has sparked excitement, residents are reminded that this is part of April Fools’ Day fun and no roundabouts will actually be flooded… yet.
