The concrete bases for the new facility in Heavitree Pleasure Grounds were this week being completed and will require a 28-day curing process. This will mean that the play facility will not now open before the end of the Summer – as was previously hoped – but will instead open next Spring.
Instead, families can take advantage of the Splash Pad in St Thomas, which will stay open to families for the next few weeks, subject to weather conditions and operational considerations.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services, Healthy Living & Public Realm Management, said: “We were really hoping to get the new water play facility up and running by the end of September, but unfortunately that is not now going to happen.
“Instead, we will look towards an opening next Spring when the air temperatures start to warm up again.”
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 replace the old paddling pools, which had to close for good in June after the ageing infrastructure failed. Much of the old underground pipework, water treatment and filtration systems, pumps, electrical infrastructure, drainage systems and surrounding surfacing all needed to be replaced.
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.
Works to the surrounding tarmac areas, together with construction of the enlarged pump house structure, are expected to be completed by the end of this week.
Mechanical and electrical installation works are then scheduled to commence during the week beginning 28 September.
Meanwhile, the procurement process for the new play area is currently 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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