New children's splash pool is '˜fit for a King'

Kids in Retford have been making a splash when a brand new water play facility opened this week.
New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured are from left Gosia Mazurliewicz, seven and Ruby Moore, sevenNew splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured are from left Gosia Mazurliewicz, seven and Ruby Moore, seven
New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured are from left Gosia Mazurliewicz, seven and Ruby Moore, seven

The £400k project, located in King’s Park, Retford, has been a year in the making and children from across the district finally had the chance to put the new splash pool through its paces on Thursday August 4.

In the initial stages of the project, seven local primary schools helped to decide on the final design of the facility, and representatives from each school officially opened the splash pool along with the chairman of the council, Councillor Jim Anderson.

Coun Anderson said: “I’ve no doubt that this brilliant community facility will cause a big splash in Retford.

New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured is Arhie Footitt, sevenNew splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured is Arhie Footitt, seven
New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford, pictured is Arhie Footitt, seven

“I hope that children from across the district are excited to finally experience their brand new splash pool.”

The project has been funded by Bassetlaw District Council and includes a grant of 43k from WREN (Waste Recycling Environment Ltd).

The splash pool has been designed and built by specialist contractors, working closely with council staff to develop the initial ideas and layout and local school children having the final say, in conjunction with Local Democracy Week.

Coun Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “I’d like to thank all the children who took part in helping to choose the eventual design of the splash pool. It was essential that we sought their views as they will be the people who ultimately use it the most.

New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, RetfordNew splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford
New splash pool and play area at Kings Park, Retford

“I hope that this will help attract even more people into King’s Park and take advantage of what is a fantastic space for people to enjoy.”

The equipment includes: a pirate ship, water cannons and jets, hanging buckets, and a sand play area.

In addition to the play facility, a refreshments kiosk and toilet block is due to open at a later date.