The Parkz Update: Funfields 2015

We head south to Victoria's Funfields theme park, where the finishing touches are being put on the Kraken Racer water slide, and also take a look at other improvements and changes around the park for the 2015/16 season.

The Kraken Racer waterslide takes shape at Funfields.

Update By Luke Fazio
10 December 2015

Funfields is installing the Kraken Racer between the Alpine Toboggan Slide and the Go Karts. Balancing out the attraction concentration within the park.

Ground works started in mid-June.

By the end of August, the rolling hillside had been dug out to accommodate the Kraken's thrilling last dip into the run-out racing lanes.

The ground is prepared for concreting, and retaining walls constructed.

Late October saw the slide pieces start to arrive from Proslide. Piece by piece the 4-lane racer was constructed, starting with the large racing lane sections.

The outside lanes have splash guards to prevent large amounts of water from spilling out and over the edge of the slide.

The run-out lanes have been designed to resemble a black and white checkered flag to highlight the racing aspect of the slide.

Early November saw the installation of the final hill into the run-out lanes, plus the start of the enclosed tube sections.

Riders will burst out of the individual braided tunnels and race side-by-side down the final hill.

The braided tunnels are cleverly supported with a series of single steel pylons, with triangular support arms branching out from the centre.

Each enclosed tube piece is semi-assembled at ground level, before being hoisted into position by crane and attached to the main slide.

The Kraken Racer is looong.

The top of the slide will provide riders with an amazing view of the rolling Victorian countryside.

This photo gives an idea of the twists, bumps and drops you will experience during the enclosed tube section.

The slide tower, stairs, water piping and start-off tubs are a more recent addition to the construction of the slide.

This is the first ProSlide KrakenRACER slide in Australia.

Finishing touches such as signage and installation of a timing system to indicate the winners of the race are currently being installed.

To the right, a queuing area and path has been created for the walk to the top of the slide tower.

General park improvements

A new bridge has been built to connect the main water slide area of the park to the new Kraken Racer slide.

The bridge travels over the top of the toboggan run. It will provide guests with a unique viewing are for the toboggans.

The bridge will add a bit of a head-chopper effect for riders.

The completed bridge.

Funfields' mini-golf has been given some much needed TLC for the 2015/16 season. A brand new 3D sign has been installed over the entrance.

Many new themeing elements, such as these pirates, have been installed. Giving the mini-golf and the surrounding area a new lease of life.

The new Treasure Cove entrance area.

Classic pirate/medival stocks have been added as a fun photo op

The golf green has been replaced since last season, new fences installed, new signage and new themeing added. It really looks fantastic.

The pirate shack is a new addition for this season.

The old Huss pirate ship ride from Seaworld is still going strong. This season Blackbeard's Fury has received a themeing upgrade, a new sign and an updated queue area.