Swindon’s Coate Water Country Park has just become a more exciting destination for local families, thanks to the unveiling of a brand new £475,000 splash park. This fully accessible water play area, complete with a paddling pool and a variety of interactive water features, opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, promising to be a hub of fun and enjoyment for children of all ages.
Despite an initial delay due to the late delivery of critical parts from Spain, the splash park’s opening was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Within an hour of the gates opening, about 30 children were already frolicking in the water, their laughter and excitement filling the air.
The honour of activating the play fountains and jets, which will operate from 11:00 to 18:00 BST daily until the end of September, was given to Councillor Marina Strinkovsky. “Pressing that button and seeing all the fountains go up was just amazing,” she said, confident that the people of Swindon would see the splash park as “money well spent because of the amount of joy it will bring to families and kids.”
The splash park, which replaced a defunct area of the park, was designed with the community in mind. It features a sloped design for wheelchair access to the paddling pool, rumble strips, handrails, and interactive elements outside of the wet zones.
Neil, a local resident from Stratton St Margaret, who brought his two young sons to the opening, expressed his delight. “I’m very happy with it. I hope that the community makes full use of it. With the playing fields just behind and the ducks on the other side, it’s a perfect day out,” he said.
Swindon’s new splash park is more than just a fun attraction; it’s a testament to the community’s commitment to creating inclusive, enjoyable spaces for all. So, grab your swimsuits, pack a picnic, and come experience the joy and excitement at Coate Water Country Park’s new splash park!
Image: Neil Smith Splash Pads Enterprises Limited
