Splash Park, Wellingborough to undergo repairs
Parks, sports and leisure26 March 2024
The popular Splash Park is set to undergo a maintenance programme, following an unprecedented wet winter which has caused damage to the site.
Due to the exceptional levels of flooding experienced at the Embankment over the winter, the facility has sustained substantial damage to the equipment surface and surrounding landscape. As the Splash Park area and adjacent car park were underwater for such a long time and the chance of further bad weather, North Northamptonshire Council have only recently been able to access the site to assess and arrange for remedial works to take place.
Traditionally, the facility would open for the summer season on Good Friday. As Easter is much earlier this year, this has created further challenges and this is not currently possible, due to concerns over safety and the remedial works that need to take place. Remedial works will include a deep clean to all surfaces, replacement of damaged artificial grass in some areas, replacement of damaged sail shades and sanitisation of all equipment, to ensure that all equipment will reach the standards required when tested for Legionella and weekly tests on the water, undertaken by our external compliance contractor.
We recognise how popular the Splash Park is to residents in Wellingborough and the surrounding area, which is why it’s disappointing we are not able to open as usual.Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets
The rainfall over this winter has been exceptional and as such the Embankment has been flooded for long periods of time resulting in damage to the site, which needs repairing as well as essential checks to the equipment. We want to make sure the site is safe and ready to be used, when the summer, hopefully, arrives.
I would like to reassure all residents we are currently working hard to ensure this fantastic community asset is fit for purpose and can be used by our younger residents for many years to come.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
North Northamptonshire Council currently plans to reopen for the season in late April, dependant on the works being completed and weather. Further updates will be published on the council’s channels.