ANOTHER paddling pool has been confirmed to reopen this summer after months of speculation.
All of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s four splash parks were at risk of closing after BCP Council cut off any funding for them.
Since then, town councils, organisations and communities have been working out ways to keep their beloved pools open for the summer.
But now the charity BH Live has announced it will take on managing and operating Littledown Park’s pool this summer.
And crucially the pool, set in the 47 acres of parkland, will remain free to all, however opening dates are yet to be confirmed.
Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s associate director of leisure, said: “The paddling pool in Littledown Park remains a fantastic free to attend attraction for the local community and is enjoyed by so many families every year.
Read more: Bournemouth councillors fight to save Redhill splash park
“A great day out, the facilities have something for everyone and we hope that by keeping the facility open, more families will be encouraged to enjoy valuable time together and get active in nature by exploring Littledown’s parkland.
“t’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day - we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this summer.”
Amanda Barrie, director of commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “Littledown Park has always been hugely popular with the local community and BCP Council is thankful for the continued support shown by BH Live to enable this much-loved community facility to reopen once again over the warmer months.
“Community facilities like this play such an important role in bringing people together and providing recreational opportunities for everyone, and it's wonderful to see local support and collaboration in keeping these spaces thriving.”
Elsewhere, Quomps splash park has a secure future after Christchurch Town Council allocated £55,000 in funds in its draft budget for 2024/25 and Friends of Hamworthy Park is looking likely to pick up their pool.
However, Redhill’s popular splash park still faces an uncertain future. Ward councillors Stephen Bartlett and Jackie Edwards are working hard to secure its future and funding.
The pair urged residents to write to the council and themselves urging the splash park to stay open. Cllr Bartlett confirmed Redhill pool will be open this summer.
Running each of the conurbation’s splash parks is no cheap job: costs of cleaning chemicals, staff and four daily checks of Redhill’s paddling pool over four months costs in excess of £40,000.
BCP Council’s now approved 2024/25 budget cut funding for all council-run paddling pools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to save £107,000.
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