Parents delighted to see city paddling pool return

Mother Natalie Fearnley is happy to see the pool reopening

Parents say they are excited a paddling pool is set to reopen after being closed for four years.

The Victoria Embankment Paddling Pool was shut in 2021 due to leaks and other issues but is due to welcome back splash fans in the spring.

Natalie Fearnley, a mother of one, said: "Having a young child made me realise how important inexpensive activities are, and that Nottingham needs more things like this pool."

A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said the pool had been a "landmark space for many families", adding it was pleased people would be able to enjoy it again.

The city council says the pool should be back open by late spring

The repaired and upgraded paddling pool site will include a new-look picnic and nature area when it reopens.

Ms Fearnley, 34, said she visited the pool as a child and "can't wait" to take her daughter.

"Me and my brother used to play here all the time and looking back on it, we have so many happy memories here," she told the BBC.

"Raising my daughter has made me realise how expensive activities are, and with everything going up, it's harder to do things with your children.

"The city has missed having something like this."

Rachel Budda, who has two children and regularly visits the Embankment, described the pool as an "asset" to the community.

"I signed a petition to keep it open when it closed and was gutted when they announced it would be shutting," she said.

"Lots of people can no longer afford to take their kids abroad or out of the city, so when this opens, it will stop those kids from missing out."

Councillor Sam Lux says she is looking forward to the opening

Margo Bohacz is an activist in the Meadows and said she had been "fighting" for the space to reopen since it closed in 2021.

"When the pool closed, it was heartbreaking," she said. "I took my children here all the time and they loved it.

"People from all over Nottingham have messaged me about it reopening because we all have such brilliant memories here.

"This [the reopened pool] will put The Meadows back on the map, and it's about time."

Councillor Sam Lux, the council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "Spaces for children are so important and this pool will provide families with a fun and safe place to go.

"We will have regular check-ups to ensure that it's maintained properly.

"It is an amazing thing to bring to The Meadows and we are excited for it to be used by the community."