Imagine a sunny afternoon in Patton Park: families enjoying picnics, while children race each other to the new drinking fountain to quench their thirst, their laughter filling the air. Parents, with smiles, refill their water bottles, grateful for this addition that supports sustainability and enhances their wellbeing.  

There’s a new reason to love Patton Park! A brand new drinking fountain is here, bringing hydration, sustainability, and a boost for community wellbeing. 

Thanks to a partnership between Broken Hill City Council and the Essential Water team, Patton Park finally has the upgrade everyone’s been waiting for. It’s a win for the whole community.

A Well-Loved Park Is Missing a Key Feature 

Patton Park has been a local favourite since the 1940s. Over the years, it’s added playgrounds, shady picnic spots, and plenty of space for families and friends to enjoy. 

But there was still one thing missing: a reliable source of drinking water. 

Rebecca McLaughlin, Council’s Leader, Project Management, highlighted the significance of this new addition to the park. “It’s one of our most popular parks, but one thing that had probably been missing was a drinking fountain, so it’s good to solve that issue,” she explained.

A Partnership Between Council and Essential Water

Broken Hill City Council made it happen, funding the new drinking fountain. Essential Water, a long-time community champion, is supplying the free, high-quality water. 

“It was also great that Essential Water were keen to partner with us and provide free water, any cost offset to the community is always welcome,” said Ms McLaughlin. 

Together, they’ve delivered a practical, cost-effective solution that brings big benefits to everyone who visits the park.

A Small Change, Big Results

Locals are loving the new drinking station! Mayor Tom Kennedy and Ross Berry from Essential Water helped celebrate the official opening. 

“We’re delighted to work with Broken Hill City Council to provide free, high quality drinking water at Patton Park. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference,” said Mr Berry. 

“Council has done a fantastic job delivering the fountain infrastructure, and we’re proud to play our part by supplying the water. Access to free drinking water encourages refill and reduces reliance on single use plastic bottles. It’s good for people, good for the park, and good for the environment.”

Looking Ahead: Planning for 2026 Starts Now

Councils everywhere are planning for 2026. Patton Park shows how a little teamwork and smart timing can deliver big wins for the community. 

Thinking about new hydration stations, upgrades, or replacements? Now’s the perfect time to get started.

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Let’s help you prepare for your 2026 project priorities with tailored advice for your parks, playspaces, and community zones.