Community group Save Big Splash has launched a petition to the ACT Legislative Assembly, ramping up pressure on the ACT government to intervene and reclaim the long-closed Big Splash waterpark.

The move comes after a critical deadline passed on Friday requiring the site to comply with Crown lease conditions and operate as a recreational facility. Big Splash has now been shuttered for three consecutive summers and the site has been repossessed by lenders, opening the door for the government to terminate the lease and restore public control.

The petition calls on the ACT government to cancel the Crown lease and commit to redeveloping the site as a community recreation precinct, anchored by a 50-metre outdoor public swimming pool, family-friendly water slides and open lawn areas.

Save Big Splash spokesperson Amelia Tattam said the failure to meet lease conditions gives the government the power – and responsibility – to act.

“Today is the deadline for the site to be operating under its Crown lease conditions. That hasn’t happened, which means the government now has the power to terminate the lease and restore public control,” Ms Tattam said.

Ms Tattam said the group was ready to work with government and private partners to deliver a modern, community-focused facility, revealing there has already been interest from a former owner willing to invest in new features including a swim school, hydrotherapy pool and potentially a wave pool.

“We have a vision for a modern sports and recreation precinct that brings together the pool, water slides, tennis courts and sports oval into an integrated community hub,” she said.

Sign the petition here.