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St Thomas Splash Pad to close for winter as Heavitree improvements progress

Friday, 9 October 2026 10:00

By Chris Collman

A popular water play facility in Exeter is set to close for the year following unseasonably warm September weather.

St Thomas Splash Pad will shut for the season on Friday and open up again next spring when the weather starts to warm up again. 

Warm and dry September weather meant Exeter City Council was able to keep the Splash Pad open for longer than usual this year. 

The decision to keep it open for longer was also taken after work started on a new water play facility at Heavitree Pleasure Ground. 

The old paddling pools in Heavitree had to close for the remainder of the year in June after the ageing infrastructure failed.  Underground pipework, water treatment and filtration systems, pumps, electrical infrastructure, drainage systems and surrounding surfacing all needed to be replaced, and it was decided at the time to press ahead instead with the new plans. 

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services, Healthy Living & Public Realm Management, said: “This exceptionally hot summer has made the Splash Pad a welcome place for families to cool down and have fun, and we’ve been pleased to keep it open for longer. 

“As temperatures fall, it’s time to close for the season and get ready for next spring. We’re also looking forward to opening the upgraded Heavitree facility combining shallow water for paddling with new interactive splash features, giving families even more opportunities to enjoy water play.” 

In Heavitree, work continues on the new facility, with the concrete bases and surrounding tarmac areas along with an enlarged pump house structure installed last month. The next stage is mechanical and electrical installation. 

Once complete, the new facility at Heavitree Pleasure Grounds will provide families with a modern, inclusive and sustainable water play destination. 

The new facility will incorporate a dedicated shallow water play area, providing space for children to paddle, splash, and enjoy water-play in a safe and accessible environment. 

Alongside this, the larger former pool area will be transformed into an interactive splash play space featuring a range of water effects designed to encourage exploration, sensory play, and active recreation. 

Meanwhile, the procurement process for the new play area is underway, with requests for quotations issued to potential suppliers and contractors. 

The new play area will be located to the north of the existing facility, allowing the current play area to remain open throughout the construction period, ensuring residents continue to have access to play facilities over the winter months. 

The existing play area will be refurbished at the same time. Whilst some play items that have reached the end of their serviceable life will be removed, the area will be improved and will also provide opportunities for future enhancements.

Upon completion, the fencing between the new and existing play areas will be removed, creating a single, enlarged play space. New access gates will also link the play area directly with the water play facility, allowing families to move easily between the two attractions during the warmer months. 

A combined opening of the wet and dry play areas will be scheduled for Spring 2027

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