Splash park to reopen following emergency repairs

The park had only just opened for the summer at the end of last month

A new splash park which had to close for emergency repairs shortly after it opened for the summer is due to welcome visitors again.

Coate Water splash park in Swindon will reopen on Sunday after it closed earlier in the week following damage to floor tiles.

The tiles became loose when the concrete underneath failed and needed to be re-secured.

With the park under a year old and still under warranty, the works were carried out by the manufacturer at no cost to the council.

The £475,000 facility reopened for the summer season at the end of last month.

But earlier this week, signs appeared saying the park was closed "until further notice", leading to concerns that it would remain shut over the summer holidays.

The splash park has had a troubled development, with the initial opening delayed to August 2024 following delivery issues.

When open, the park is designed to be fully accessible and includes a paddling pool and various water features and games.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, cabinet member for placemaking and planning, said she was surprised the park needed repairs so early in its lifespan.

"I was very disappointed when the splash park closed at the start of the week, especially with it being such a new facility," she said.

"The manufacturer worked quickly to make the repairs and get the splash park ready to reopen, but we need to make sure it doesn't happen again so I look forward to the off-season inspection and thorough report."

"I look forward to seeing children and families enjoying the splash park once again", she added.

Ms Strinkovsky also said that following public feedback, the 18-degree temperature limit for opening the park would be scrapped and a new policy would be introduced so that the park could open at different times of the year.