By Michelle Barry, the Team Leader for Child Health Promotion for Healthy Cities Illawarra
Coming into summer, hydration becomes not only good for you but vital. Health experts commonly recommend two litres per day. It’s important to drink before you feel thirsty and drink often when out moving in the heat. Water from bubblers is safe to drink and bubbler etiquette dictates that you don’t put your mouth or the mouth of a bottle over the spout. These bubblers can keep you hydrated and save you money (buying bottled water? You're basically just buying plastic!). Check this out for more information on drinking water and your health.
1. Pop Errington Park, Florence Street, Fairy Meadow
This gorgeous little park and playground is off the main road with parking available and has a bubbler for humans and dogs. This type of bubbler is more hygienic. It also has a bigger tap for a hose, which can get a connection from the council if needed. Add this to a beautiful, shaded playground, a water-play pump and accessible toilets, and this is a great playground for summer. Big Fat Smile also operates a free playgroup there every Wednesday 10am-12 noon, which is a huge hit with the kids and can give mums a chance to relax and chat.
2. Ski Way Park, The Esplanade, Oak Flats
This park is on the shores of beautiful Lake Illawarra. It has a great water-refilling station designed to fill up water bottles. A fantastic space with facilities including a boat ramp, outdoor shower, playground, toilets and shaded picnic and BBQ area with an unrivalled view. It’s a great place to enjoy by itself or as part of a longer adventure (like exploring the cycle path around the lake).
3. Central Park, 41 Macquarie Drive, Burrill Lake
Centred around a serene lake and a beautiful walkway through nature, this bubbler is well-placed to hydrate before and after your walk. The area includes shaded picnic tables and a bike track. It’s a quiet spot – near the small town of Burrill Lake and the main tourist areas of Shoalhaven – that is sure to delight those who make the trip!
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