Help build a splash park in Queen's Park

The paddling pool at Queen’s Park was installed in 1999. It has been mainly closed since 2020 due to the Covid pandemic restrictions, but also due to underlying operational issues with the pool and its adjacent treatment plant. Extensive work and expenditure would be required to comply with HSE legislation, and to make it operational and safe for users. 

The required repairs, which are not limited, include defects with the plant room, faulty dosing systems, and blocked pipes. This is in addition to the ongoing operating costs, and staff training and supervision that are needed to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. There is insufficient budget and capacity to provide the additional staffing required to operate and supervise the pool safely, making the current paddling pool facility very costly and time consuming to repair, maintain and operate. 

There is a desire by staff and the local community to return the space to active recreational use and retain a water play feature. Staff believe that installation of a splash pad would not only achieve this, but it would also do so in a way that is safer, operationally more achievable and cheaper, and would provide a facility that is accessible to more of the community.

There is a desire by staff and the local community to return the space to active recreational use and retain a water play feature. Staff believe that installation of a splash pad would not only achieve this, but it would also do so in a way that is safer, operationally more achievable and cheaper, and would provide a facility that is accessible to more of the community.

The current design of the paddling pool is not fit for purpose; it is both unsafe and does not provide suitable access for many. The paddling pool slopes down to a depth of 0.5m, which can lead to young children/toddlers/babies drifting into deeper water. The sloping surface of the paddling pool also makes it inaccessible to those with mobility challenges. Only a very slight gradient is required for a splash pad to allow the water to drain away. 

Open splash pads offer many benefits compared to paddling pools. They require less maintenance, are easier to clean and faster to open, and provide a safer experience. They are flat and more accessible when at ground level, as they allow for greater access to those with mobility challenges. Also, no lifeguarding or staff resource is needed, as there is no water depth. They are more interactive safe spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and invite all ages and abilities to play together. A splash pad can also be enjoyed in swimming costumes or fully clothed, making it inclusive for all cultures.

Splash pads are designed for children of all ages and abilities, providing a safe and stimulating environment. 

There are different models and systems for splash pads. A splash pad could be created either with a flow through system, a flow through system with an additional grey water tank, or with a PWTAG-compliant recirculation system. A flow-through system is the preferred system, as it is the lowest capital to install and maintain, as no water treatment is needed. Water is drawn from the mains supply to feed the features then the used water will enter the local sewer. A flow through system does not require water treatment. 

Splash pads offer environmental benefits, as they use less water than paddling pools. No water treatment is needed, as no chemicals are added. A splash pad also has no standing water at the end of each day, which makes it safer for wildlife, as well as being more hygienic. 

It will cost approximately £275,000. This figure is based on the flow-through system and having liaised with suppliers and other landowners who have installed splash pads across the UK. The City of London Corporation have secured partial funding of £178,000 for the installation of a splash pad. Approximately £100,000 is now being raised through fundraising efforts.

The £100,000 will be raised through grant applications and locally via a fundraising campaign. A grant application will be submitted to HS2 in the coming weeks. 

If additional amounts are fundraised, we can improve and/or increase the specification to allow for installation of a more advanced facility including the number and style of features. We will also use additional funds for the ongoing maintenance. 

Once the funding is in place, a specification and procurement process will follow. The construction phase of the project will take a minimum of 8-12 weeks.

Work is now underway to raise all the required funds to convert the paddling pool to a splash pad. We hope to have the funding in place by the end of 2025. Once the funding is in place, the procurement process can begin. The aim is to procure, build and install the splash pad in 2026, with the aim of opening it for next summer. 

Designs haven’t been drawn up yet, as we need the funding in place first. However, based on the footprint of the paddling pool and measurements, the splash pad will be able to have up to 20 features of above ground play items and ground level water sprays. It will be sympathetic to the surroundings and be in keeping with Queens Park and the local environment.

Use the link on this page to donate via Just Giving.