Three paddling pools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will reopen this year despite fears they would be permanently closed due to funding issues.
Redhill paddling pool will be operated by the Council, whilst ownership of the Quomps Splashpark will transfer to Christchurch Town Council.
BCP Council, with a subsidy from The Friends of Hamworthy Park, is funding the reopening of Hamworthy Park Paddling Pool for this year, alongside a collaboration to safeguard the future of the site.
All three sites are expected to open on, or shortly after Friday 24th May, but only once the required maintenance and safety checks have been completed.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “From the outset we were keen to work proactively alongside our partners to secure the reopening of these much-loved facilities. I’d like to thank The Friends of Hamworthy Park and Christchurch Town Council for their positive and proactive support to ensure all three sites will reopen this year.
“We were open and transparent about the financial challenge BCP Council faced to close a £50million funding gap in the 2024/25 budget. This meant that we needed to consider difficult decisions. It is a great relief, thanks to the support of our partners, that children in the BCP area will once again be able to enjoy these paddling pools this summer.”
All three sites are expected to open on, or shortly after Friday 24 May, but only once the required maintenance and safety checks have been completed.
James Atkinson, Acting Town Clerk at Christchurch Town Council, said: “The Quomps Splashpark holds a special place in the heart of local people who have enjoyed the facility over the years.
“Christchurch Town Council is so pleased to be able to secure it for future generations.”
Karl Stokes Chair of Trustees, The Friends of Hamworthy Park, added: “Our paddling pool provides so much joy to local children living in Hamworthy. We couldn’t allow it not to reopen and we’ve been working hard alongside BCP Council to ensure it does reopen this summer for the benefit of our youngest visitors.”
This summer, there will be an option for Hamworthy Park paddling pool users to make a voluntary donation to The Friends of Hamworthy Park charity, to help support with high maintenance costs and secure the funds needed to cover operating costs in future years.
BCP Council also remains keen to speak with businesses and organisations who are interested in sponsoring Redhill paddling pool in 2025 and beyond, following this years’ summer season.
Cllr Hadley added: “It is wonderful that all three of these paddling pools will reopen this year. I can’t thank our partners enough for coming forward for the benefit of our youngest residents. However, the financial challenge hasn’t gone away when considering our budgets next year, so we remain keen to engage with local businesses and other partners, regarding funding, sponsorship and advertising opportunities at all our council-owned water-play facilities.”