EASTBOURNE’S Splash Pad at Princes Park has reopened today (Friday, July 3), giving families the chance to enjoy the free water play facility throughout the summer.
The attraction officially reopened following weeks of repairs and safety testing after a fault delayed its planned return.
The Splash Pad had been closed last year after rising operating costs threatened its future, prompting a campaign led by Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde to secure funding to bring it back into use.
Mr Babarinde successfully secured £25,000 from Southern Water towards the annual running costs of the attraction, with additional support from local businesses helping to make this year’s reopening possible.
Many residents had questioned why the attraction had not reopened earlier, especially following the recent spell of warm weather.
The Splash Pad had originally been scheduled to reopen last month, but a failure of its control panel meant essential repairs were required before it could be safely brought back into operation. The facility also underwent comprehensive safety inspections and water quality testing before reopening.
Speaking to Eastbourne News at the official reopening, Mr Babarinde said: “Today is a great day for our town. Our Splash Pad in Princes Park – the outdoor free water playground for children – was closed last year because the costs spiralled out of control.
“This year, I said we’ve got to get it reopened and launched a campaign to find generous companies, both local and national, to help keep it open this year.
“We’ve had support from businesses including Best Demolition, but I also asked Southern Water to help because we all know their record when it comes to the quality of our sea, and I wanted them to give something back to our community. They agreed to do that and, as a result, we’ve got this Splash Pad reopened this year.”
Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said the authority had been determined to bring the attraction back as quickly as possible.
He said: “The challenge we had was the running costs, and we were determined to bring it back as soon as we could. When we found the partners and the right sponsors, we were willing to move quickly.
“We’re really keen to make sure it remains open for the long term.”
Looking ahead, Mr Babarinde said work is already underway to make the Splash Pad more sustainable in future years.
He said: “The Splash Pad costs around £25,000 a year to operate and it uses many litres of water, which is what pushes up the water bill.
“We’ve had a survey carried out looking at how we can reduce water usage. That includes things like lower-pressure nozzles and altering the sequencing of some of the water features to keep costs as sustainable as possible.
“We’re exploring those options, along with others, to make sure we have the Splash Pad for many summers to come.”
