THE SPLASHPAD in Worcester’s Gheluvelt Park should be back up and running next summer.
The water play area attracts thousands of children and parents every summer, but persistent maintenance problems meant it was out of action for more than 14 days this year.
Worcester City Council carried out a condition survey of the facility earlier this year and a report to its place and economic development committee said the attraction’s water filtration system had reached the end of its life.
When the committee met recently, members agreed to a £366,000 investment to replace the worn-out equipment and get the Splashpad open in time for summer 2025. They also agreed to repairs to the safety surface on the Splashpad play area.
The Splashpad uses a recirculation system, with the water sprayed onto the play area draining into an underground storage tank, from where it is filtered and disinfected before being returned to the surface and sprayed again.
Committee chair Coun Roby Norfolk, said: “The Splashpad is hugely popular, and this was shown by the many positive responses we received about it earlier this year when we carried out a public consultation on the Worcester Play Plan.
“However, it has had to be closed for maintenance far too many times in recent years, especially this summer, and we absolutely understand the frustration that has created for parents and children.
“The recent condition survey has shown us exactly what the problems with it are and the actions we need to take to ensure that the Splashpad can be a popular and reliable place to play and enjoy the sunshine next summer.”
The matter will now go to the policy and resources committee on November 19, which will be asked to approve the funding.
