Worcester Council to Vote on £366,000 Splashpad Upgrade

A local council is preparing to make a decision regarding an investment exceeding £350,000, aimed at ensuring the continued operation of a play area water attraction that has experienced maintenance issues. According to Worcester City Council, the Gheluvelt Splashpad in Worcester has been non-operational for over 14 days this year due to these difficulties. The council has conducted a condition assessment of the facility, which revealed that the attraction’s water filtration system is obsolete. The place and economic development committee is scheduled to convene next Monday to determine whether to allocate £366,000 to ensure the splashpad is operational for the summer season of next year. Councillor Robyn Norfolk, who chairs the committee, stated that the splashpad enjoys significant popularity, but acknowledged the public’s frustration concerning its closures. She commented: “The recent condition survey has shown us exactly what the problems with it are and the actions we need to take to ensure that the splashpad can be a popular and reliable place to play and enjoy the sunshine next summer.” The splashpad operates with a recirculation system, where water is projected onto the play area, then drains into an underground storage tank, undergoes filtration and disinfection, and is subsequently returned to the surface for re-spraying. Should the committee approve the necessary repairs, the policy and resources committee will then be requested to sanction the funding on 19 November.