Bournemouth, Christchurch, Health & Lifestyle, Poole | Posted on May 17th, 2024 | return to news
Paddling pools set to reopen in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP Council area) will be having splashing fun in the sun this summer.
Redhill paddling pool, Littledown Park paddling pool, The Quomps Splashpark in Christchurch and Hamworthy Park paddling pool should all be opening later this month following maintenance and safety checks that will be carried out beforehand.
The Quomps Splashpark at Christchurch Quay has permanently transferred to Christchurch Town Council, who now manage and operate the site.
James Atkinson, acting town clerk at Christchurch Town Council, said: “The Quomps Splashpark holds a special place in the heart of local people who have enjoyed the facility over the years. Christchurch Town Council is so pleased to be able to secure it for future generations.”
BCP Council is funding the reopening of Redhill paddling pool for this year.
Littledown Park paddling pool (pictured) is managed and operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. Set in 47 acres of parkland, the free-to-attend attraction is open during the summer months. There will be a pop-up café nearby and opening hours for both the pool and café will be weather-dependent and may be liable to change.
The reopening of Hamworthy Park Paddling Pool is being funded by BCP Council, with a subsidy from The Friends of Hamworthy Park.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “From the outset we were keen to work proactively alongside our partners to secure the reopening of these much-loved facilities. I’d like to thank The Friends of Hamworthy Park and Christchurch Town Council for their positive and proactive support to ensure all three sites will reopen this year.
“We were open and transparent about the financial challenge BCP Council faced to close a £50million funding gap in the 2024/25 budget. This meant that we needed to consider difficult decisions. It is a great relief, thanks to the support of our partners, that children in the BCP area will once again be able to enjoy these paddling pools this summer.”
Karl Stokes chairman of Trustees, The Friends of Hamworthy Park, said: “Our paddling pool provides so much joy to local children living in Hamworthy. We couldn’t allow it not to reopen and we’ve been working hard alongside BCP Council to ensure it does reopen this summer for the benefit of our youngest visitors.”
This summer, there will be an option for Hamworthy Park paddling pool users to make a voluntary donation to The Friends of Hamworthy Park charity, to help support with high maintenance costs and secure the funds needed to cover operating costs in future years.
BCP Council also remains keen to speak with businesses and organisations who are interested in sponsoring Redhill paddling pool in 2025 and beyond, following this years’ summer season. The council would also like to engage with local businesses and other partners, regarding funding, sponsorship and advertising opportunities at all council-owned water-play facilities.
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