Water playpark makes a splash (From Worcester News)

Water playpark makes a splash

9:00am Wednesday 23rd June 2010

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CHILDREN and parents made the most of the sunshine at Gheluvelt Park in Worcester yesterday as the long-awaited Splashpad project was declared officially open, a month ahead of schedule.

The excited group of mums, dads and toddlers cheered as Councillor Roger Knight cut the ribbon before the majority rushed to make the most of the new facility in Barbourne.

The Splashpad, a new water play area, is part of the park’s £1.3 million refurbishment programme which will see repairs and improvements made to the bandstand, pavilions and the footbridge over Barbourne Brook, as well as the construction of a new playground.

Coun Knight, who put his socks and shoes to one side to try out the water feature, was delighted at the way it had turned out. He said: “I think it’s a wonderful facility. I came down during the testing programme and spoke to some mums and saw the children enjoying themselves, so we are over the moon.”

Mum Joanne Orbey, aged 30, who lives in Barbourne Lane next to the park, brought her two-year-old son Josh to try out the Splashpad.

She said: “He’s loving it, he just loves splashing in it, and I’ve had a little splash too. Being local, we’ve walked past it almost daily and it’s come on so quickly. They’ve done a great job. I was worried what it would be like if it was too busy, but it’s busy now and it’s great.”

Jack Drabik, 29, of Northwick Avenue, also brought his son, two-year-old Oliver, to the opening. He said: “It’s difficult for me to get my son out of here! I don’t live far away so we can walk. It’s really good.”

Richard Hopkins, project manager for the Heritage Lottery Fun which financed the project, said: “It’s a huge sense of achievement because so many people have been involved and I think that shows today. The official opening was not for a while but it would be a crime to the public if we’d withheld it.”

Coun Knight confirmed the Splashpad will be on from 11am-6pm every day until September.

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