Established in the 1940s, the park was created as a green space for families in South Broken Hill to relax and connect. Over the years it’s evolved with new playgrounds, shaded areas and facilities, but its role as a community hub has never changed.

Today, Patton Park is a space for locals to gather for family picnic, weekend sports and community events, making the new drinking fountain a practical and welcome feature.

Delivered through a partnership between Broken Hill City Council and Essential Water, the project is all about improving community amenities and promoting sustainability. The purchase and installation of the fountain was funded by Council while Essential Water is providing free, high-quality drinking water.

Mayor for Broken Hill, Tom Kennedy, with Essential Water's Head of Water Ross Berry.

Essential Water’s Head of Water, Ross Berry says the partnership is a way to support water customers and community wellbeing at Patton Park.

“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," Ross says.

“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."

Council's Leader Project Management, Rebecca McLaughlin says the new feature would be well used.

"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," Rebecca says.

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."

Next time you visit Patton Park, bring your reusable bottle and enjoy free water on tap.