Help shape plans for popular paddling pools makeover

Published: 6 August 2021

People can help shape exciting new plans to refurbish paddling pools and a play area in Exeter.

A survey has been launched to find out what people want from Heavitree Pleasure Ground and the facilities within the park.

The findings will help inform plans to give the paddling pools and play area a makeover.

The popular pools are nearing the end of their life and in desperate need of refurbishment.

The plan is to keep the pools open throughout this year and next summer and start construction in the Autumn of 2022, minimising disruption. All going well, the new water play facilities and play areas will be ready to reopen in May 2023.

Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for City Management, said last month: “People love the paddling pools in Heavitree but they are nearing the end of their life and need to be refreshed.

“We want to get this right and come up with a scheme that has universal support from the community. That’s why we will be embarking on a comprehensive consultation to find out what people want from their park in relation to the water and play facilities.”

Broadly speaking the plans are to:

• Fully refurbish Heavitree water play facilities with options to rebuild the paddling pools, replace with a splashpad similar to the one in St Thomas, or a combination of both
• Expand the current fenced area to create more water play space, plus a better/larger space for families using the site outside the water
• Create areas to shelter from the sun
• Investigate the implementation of sustainable power and water sources with a view to reducing costs and carbon footprint
• Refurbish Heavitree play area, which is in need of improvement and is inadequate to deal with current demand
• Review equipment, including the provision of more accessible facilities and access routes for wheelchairs and pushchairs
• Improve accessibility for all and encourage active travel, providing parking for cycles and improving and widening pathways

“This is only a broad outline of our ambitions for the site and it’s really important that we engage with local residents and users to get their thoughts and wishes for the park in the future,” added Cllr Harvey.

People are asked to complete a short Snap Survey which will be available to complete from Monday 9 August for six weeks until 19 September. The results of the survey will help inform the design brief for the new facilities for stage 2 of the project.

The survey can be found on the City Council website at http://exeter.gov.uk/HeavitreePlay from Monday 9 August.

Hard copies of the survey can be obtained by emailing paula.rovira@exeter.gov.uk