Community members can splash into the warmer months ahead at Council's water play parks, with Seville Water Play Park and Warburton Water World opening from 19 September, and Lillydale Lake Splash Park opening in time for the summer school holidays.
The water play parks will operate daily from 9am to 6pm, with closing time extended to 7pm during daylight saving . Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the water play parks are some of Council's most well-visited areas.
"On hot days in the school holidays, people travel from far and wide to meet with friends and play at our water play parks, which is brilliant to see," he said.
"The parks are free to visit and with three of them in our region, no matter where you are in the Yarra Ranges, a park isn't too far away.
"If you're visiting, remember to park safely and have a back-up option in mind if it's a busy day. The parks run for nine hours a day, so there'll always be a good time to enjoy them.
"I look forward to the warmer weather and our aquatics facilities opening as spring and summer get underway."
Lillydale Lake Splash Pad will open just prior to the summer holidays this season due to planned upgrade works to improve the reliability and operation of the water play park.
On 5 October, the heated Belgrave Outdoor Pool opens for its summer season, with other pools opening later in the year. The Olinda Outdoor Pool will open from 5 December, followed by Healesville and Lilydale pools on 12 December.
Cr Higgins encouraged locals to visit their nearest pool for a play or a swim.
"Swimming is a fantastic way to get active, to play, and to strengthen skills in the water - which can be crucial throughout our lives," he said.
"We have some fantastic pools in the Yarra Ranges - from our indoor facilities servicing communities year-round, to our outdoor pools that thrive on hot summer days.
"Going to your local pool on a warm weekend, or dropping in after school is an affordable way to have some fun and get active.
"Summer will be here before we know it. Until then, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, Jack Hort Memorial Pool and the Yarra Centre are open year-round for swimmers.
"Our new partner, Aligned Leisure, is off to a great start in managing our aquatics facilities, and this will be another excellent season to have a swim locally.
"Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/pools to check your local opening hours and see what events may be on as the season gets underway."
| Facility name | Opening date | Season ending |
| Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool | 5 October | March 2027 |
| Olinda Outdoor Pool | 5 December | March 2027 |
| Healesville Outdoor Pool | 12 December | March 2027 |
| Lilydale Outdoor Pool | 12 December | March 2027 |
| Jack Hort Memorial Pool, Healesville | Open year-round | Open year-round |
| Monbulk Aquatic Centre | Open year-round | Open year-round |
| Yarra Centre, Yarra Junction | Open year-round | Open year-round |
| Lillydale Lake Splash Paad | Summer school holidays | April 2027 |
| Warburton Water World | 19 September | April 2027 |
| Seville Water Play Park | 19 September | April 2027 |
Opening hours are weather dependent.
Warburton Water World and the Olinda Pool will be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating.
Information on opening hours, and the end of the season for each pool is published on Council's website at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/pools
