Latest news with #waterplay
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Popular splash park to have six-metre-tall ‘super splash' tipping bucket and interactive water play in £900k revamp
A POPULAR splash park is undergoing a £900k revamp that will be finished just in time for the summer holidays. A family favourite, Clifton Park's waterplay in Rotheram, is getting an upgrade after almost 20 years. 3 3 3 Fresh details have now emerged about the exciting redevelopment with planning applications now submitted. The environmentally-friendly revamp will feature a wider range of interactive features while retaining much-loved elements like fountains and paddling pools. The new £900k facility will include exciting high-impact features such as a huge six-metre tall "Super Splash" tipping bucket alongside water jets and fountains. There will also be interactive water play elements designed to provide a more inclusive and exciting experience. And it should all be ready in time for the summer holidays. In addition to the impressive new features, surfacing will be made safer and a new foot-washing station will be installed. Changes will also be made to allow for smoother circulation and new planting to support biodiversity. The area will also include an upgraded system for more efficient water use and children will be encouraged to learn about water conservation and the environment. A new plant system and plant room will be put in place which filters and recycles the water. Toilets, changing rooms, and the adjacent kiosk will remain in place and the surrounding green area used for picnics and relaxation will be preserved. The upgrades are designed to enhance access, boost reliability and continue to serve as a family-friendly attraction in the local community. Clifton Park waterplay was created in 2008 as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund project with children and families flocking to the splash park for years. TUI resort next door to giant waterpark Owing to its popularity, wear and tear started to have an impact resulting in continuous breakdowns. The project has been shaped by community feedback with a public consultation launched last year that received 200 respondents. They called for retaining the open space and existing play elements while adding a mix of new features. Capacity will remain similar to before with room for up to 600 people including spectators. Five new water attractions opening in the UK Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK. Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Rotherham Council, said: "Our aim is for every neighbourhood in Rotherham to be a thriving neighbourhood, and part of that commitment is to enhance our green spaces like Clifton Park. 'The redevelopment the park's waterplay is more than just a face lift - it's a commitment to enhancing community infrastructure, promoting health and well-being, and creating a safe and engaging space for children to play. "We know how much residents enjoy the current facility. However, much of the equipment is outdated, with some features no longer working. "That's why we're forging ahead with a scheme that will replace old infrastructure and equipment and make sure that children are able to easily access a high quality waterplay facility. "This particular investment will encourage physical activity, family engagement, and environmental awareness and put outdoor play at the heart of the community.' Once planning approval is confirmed, work is expected to get underway. The revamped splash park will provide a major boost to Clifton Park's popular line-up of attractions. Clifton Park was named the fourth best UK theme park for 2019 by TripAdvisor. In addition to the splash park, it features a number of family-friendly activities including rollercoasters, mini-golf and a fun park for kids.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- The Independent
11 best paddling pools to keep the kids cool and entertained this summer
If you want your kids to spend more time outdoors, paddling pools are a great place to start. Children love water play. Splashing around in the paddling pool not only makes a great screen-free activity but also keeps them active, burning off excess energy, while building their confidence in the water. From small pools for babies and toddlers to large inflatables with slides, fountains and interactive games, there are paddling pools to suit all ages, budgets and gardens. Want to join in the fun? Some paddling pools will appeal to parents too, with inflatable backrests, sun shades and cup holders. To help you choose, we've made the most of the early spring sunshine, putting a wide range of paddling pools to the test before revealing our pick of the best. Grab your air pump and get those goggles ready – here's our pick of the best paddling pools you can buy in 2025. How we tested To put paddling pools to the test, we recruited a group of keen testers aged between 1-11 years old. With some welcome spring sunshine and a mini heatwave on our side, we considered each pool's size and the age group it best suited. We also assessed more practical concerns like each pool's durability and the ease of filling and emptying after use. Most importantly, we gauged each pool's overall entertainment value. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews As a journalist of more than 10 years and a product reviewer of more than five, Zoe Griffin has tested everything from hiking head torches to running watches. When it comes to kids, she's an expert on balance bikes, gifts for 5-year-olds and – of course – the best paddling pools. As a parent herself, she's done the research so you don't have to. The best paddling pools for 2025 are:
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Cheapest place to buy paddling pools from £1.99 revealed including Argos, Wilko, Poundland and Aldi
SUNNY days calls for water play to cool down and paddling pools are the perfect solution. Splashing in inflatables can give children hours of fun in the garden all summer long. However, for parents looking to invest in a pool . However, it's important to always supervise children when playing with water as pools can pose a drowning risk. From the smallest to the sturdiest, we've scoured the top high street shops to find the best value paddling pools on the market... Cheapest paddling pool for toddlers - Wilko and The Range, £1.99 If you're pushed for space outdoors or just want a small area for kids to splash around this kiddy pool from Wilko or The Range. And for less than £2, you can't really go wrong. It's pout of stock for delivery, so you'll need to visit a store to get one - but you can book click and collect for free to avoid a wasted visit. Just enter your postcode online to find your nearest store with stock. Cheapest activity pool with slide - Aldi, £24.99 Pools with features such as slides can help max out the water play fun for little ones. These activity pools can come with quite a hefty price tag. However, Aldi is bringing out its Animal Play Centre, £24.99, for little ones aged 18 months and up. The pool will be in stores from May 18 and can also be used indoors without the water. If you can't wait until then, The Range is selling a sea-themed pool with slide for £34.99 from £49.99. Cheapest medium sized paddling pool - Poundland, £12 If you want a slightly bigger sized pool for kids to enjoy water on sunny days, a six foot inflatable model from Poundland is ideal. The retailer says the pool is suitable for children aged 24 months and above. You can buy direct online or search for your nearest store using the store finder tool on its website. Cheapest 9ft paddling pool - Argos, £35 For older children, a bigger pool is a good idea for play. The Bestway 9ft pool is suitable for kids aged six and above and costs £35 from Argos. The model also comes with a repair patch so you can fix up if gets a small hole from play. On cloudier days, you could also use the inflatable as a sand or ball pit. Cheapest 12ft paddling pool with stand - B&Q, £77.99 You can make pools more of a semi-permanent feature in the summer with sturdier steel-framed models. These are also ideal for older and more boisterous pool users who can quickly end up breaking more flimsy models. However, bear in mind that you'll still need to regularly change water - every two to three days - to avoid the water harbouring bacteria. A great value option is the Crystal 12ft round steel frame swimming pool has a reinforced three-layer liner to help with durability. You can get it for £77.99 from B&Q online - it's not available for click and collect, you'll need to order it for home delivery. How to save money on summer essentials SUNNIER days and warmer weather will leave many of us wanting to kit out gardens and outdoor areas. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a great deal on summer essentials… It pays to know how to bag big savings on the likes of hot tubs paddling pools, egg chairs and outside bars. Many retailers have flash sales across entire ranges – often this ties into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends. Sign up to the mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items such as beach gear and paddling pools. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. Always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.
