Major investment proposed for city's popular splash park and paddling pools

Published: 8 February 2023

Major refurbishment of the city’s popular splash park facility in St Thomas and paddling pools in Heavitree is being proposed.

Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk proposed an addition to the Capital Programme to recommend that the Council approves £100,000 for the refurbishment of the St Thomas Splash Park at St Thomas Pleasure Ground.

The investment is designed to enhance the life of the facility and ensure that it is available for use as soon as possible.

Cllr Bialyk said that as with the replacement of other play equipment, the proposing funding for the restoration would come from CIL payments.

Work will also be carried out at the Heavitree paddling pools at Heavitree Pleasure Ground to enable it to remain in use throughout the summer.

Cllr Bialyk said: “This is an important amendment because the splash park is an important facility that is used by residents not only in St Thomas but in Exwick, Alphington, St David’s and across the city.

“The same is true of the paddling pools in Heavitree. I know that there are many children and families who use these facilities and I am making this recommendation because these are the sorts of choices that we need to make for people in Exeter, to provide the facilities that are needed.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Laura Wright welcomed the proposal.

She said: “As we face deeper austerity and the continuing cost of living crisis, the things that this Council provides for free across the city are so important to families.

“I know these facilities are really well used and much appreciated and it is really important that we continue to provide them.”

The amendment will be discussed at Council on February 21.