FAMILIES can look forward to the Splashpad in Worcester’s Gheluvelt Park being back in action next summer.
The free facility attracts thousands of children and their parents every year.
However, persistent maintenance problems meant it was out of action for more than 14 days this year.
The current filtration system was installed in 2010 and now needs replacing.
Worcester city councillors recently gave final approval for a £366,000 investment to replace the old filtration system and upgrade the safety surface.
City Council leader Coun Lynn Denham said: “The Splashpad has been hugely popular since it was introduced to the city 14 years ago.
“Having a free water play facility for children to enjoy throughout the summer months is vitally important for Worcester.
“Visitors will not see any external change in the Splashpad when it reopens next year, but the new filtration system will increase the resilience of the facility.
“The cross-party support for the Splashpad repairs proves its popularity and the need to spend this money to keep it open for families to enjoy for many years to come.
“This is part of our continuing investment in play for children in Worcester.
“Families can look forward to the Splashpad being back in action when the weather warms up next year.”
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.
Following a summer of maintenance issues a condition survey of the Splashpad confirmed that the water filtration system had reached the end of its life.
Work to replace the system is due to start in February and should be completed ready for the opening in May.
