Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion ready to make a splash

19/12/2024

The Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion, a yellow limestone single-story building, with wooden patio framing at the front of the building and decking in front of that, leading to the beach.

For Will Yeap, owner and founder of the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park, the seaside resort has always been a special place.

'My wife and I got married in Lakes Entrance, and we'd come here almost every year,' said Will.

Their passion for the area, combined with their entrepreneurial spirit, resulted in them opening the Aqua Park in 2020.

With 2,000 square-metres of floating obstacles that can reach heart-pounding heights, the business has enjoyed steady growth.

'Our first season we had around 20,000 visitors. Now, we're welcoming around 35,000 each season,' said Will.

Lakes Entrance Aqua Park floating obstacles, with the back of a girl visible as she prepares to swing on a rope, with a lifeguard in a yellow jumper sitting next to her.

With the excitement of summer holidays approaching, Will and his team are preparing to set up their new headquarters in the Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion.

Funded by $100,000 from the Council Support Package and delivered in partnership with East Gippsland Shire Council, it promises to be a game-changer for the aqua park team.

'When we first took over, we were using a tin shed for our headquarters.'

'It had sand floors, intermittent power and would get incredibly hot during the summer,' said Will.

With works on the limestone pavilion nearing completion, Will's team is already feeling the difference.

'The first thing my staff noticed was how much cooler it is,' said Will.

'There's also consistent power, so we can have a fridge and microwave for staff.'

'We also have a revolving door and proper security, so we won't have any more issues with people trying to steal equipment out of storage,' he added.

For Will, the pavilion is an important step towards elevating the presentation and experience of the park.

Aside from providing storage and a staff room, the front counter will also be used to sell tickets and refreshments.

The inside of the Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion, looking out on the water with the patio, lake and far shore visible out of the windows and door.

Down the track, Will would like to install TVs at the counter so people can see the action that's taking place in the park. It will also provide a place to show promotional materials and promote the park to passers-by.

Will and his team are also looking into installing seating so that the area around the pavilion can serve as a comfortable reception area for the park.

Importantly, the pavilion was also constructed adjacent to the all-abilities Krauatungalung Walk circuit. This means more people will have an opportunity to discover and enjoy the water park, helping to increase visitation and revenue.

'We look forward to welcoming more and more people to the park, and the pavilion is going to play a big role in our plans for growth,' said Will.

The $25 million Council Support Package forms part of our ongoing work to make rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play.

To learn more, visit our Council Support Package.