ONE of Worcester’s most popular summertime attractions is still going strong after five years.

The Splashpad at Gheluvelt Park was opened in June 2010 to replace the 1950s paddling pool, which had become increasingly decrepit and a frequent target for vandalism, and has proven wildly popular, especially during the school holidays.

During the warm summer weather as many as 2,000 visitors a day use the facility to cool off with its jets, sprays and fountains feeding into a central stream and pool.

Worcester’s newly-appointed Mayor Cllr Roger Knight, who opened the attraction in 2010, said he was pleased it had proven so successful.

“I had the honour of cutting the ribbon of the Splashpad five years ago and am delighted to see how popular it has become,” he said.

“It allows families to have free all-day fun in beautiful, relaxed surroundings.”

In April your Worcester News reported families were disappointed the facility was only in operation during the weekend, despite sizzling temperatures, prompting the city council to agree to open in every day that month.

The Splashpad was paid for by a £1.4 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, which has also been used to build the new war memorial and improve the play area. The cash is also due to be used to spruce up the park’s bandstand.

The pad is operated by automatic sensors, meaning it only operates when someone stands on it while it is turned on, meaning energy is not wasted while no one is using it.

The Splashpad is open seven days a week between 11am and 6pm until the end of August. It will also be open every weekend in September between 11am and 4pm.

Gheluvelt Park is visited by about 800,000 people every year and is listed second only to Worcester Cathedral in the city’s top attractions on www.tripadvisor.co.uk.