THREE key paddling pools are set to open next week in time for the summer weather.

The Quomps Splash Park in Christchurch, Redhill paddling pool, and Hamworthy Park paddling pool are set to reopen to the public on or shortly after May 24.

BCP Council and The Friends of Hamworthy Park organisation are funding the reopening of the Hamworthy Park padding pool for the year.  

The splash park at Christchurch Quay has also now been permanently transferred to Christchurch Town Council.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment, and energy, said: “From the outset, we were keen to work proactively alongside our partners to secure the reopening of these much-loved facilities.

“I’d like to thank The Friends of Hamworthy Park and Christchurch Town Council for their positive and proactive support to ensure all three sites will reopen this year.

“We were open and transparent about the financial challenge BCP Council faced to close a £50million funding gap in the 2024/25 budget. This meant that we needed to consider difficult decisions.

“It is a great relief, thanks to the support of our partners, that children in the BCP area will once again be able to enjoy these paddling pools this summer.”

James Atkinson, acting town clerk at Christchurch Town Council, said: “The Quomps Splashpark holds a special place in the heart of local people who have enjoyed the facility over the years.

“Christchurch Town Council is so pleased to be able to secure it for future generations.”

Karl Stokes, chair of trustees, Friends of Hamworthy Park, added: “Our paddling pool provides so much joy to local children living in Hamworthy.

“We couldn’t allow it not to reopen and we’ve been working hard alongside BCP Council to ensure it does reopen this summer for the benefit of our youngest visitors.”

Cllr Hadley added: “It is wonderful that all three of these paddling pools will reopen this year.

“I can’t thank our partners enough for coming forward for the benefit of our youngest residents.

“However, the financial challenge hasn’t gone away when considering our budgets next year, so we remain keen to engage with local businesses and other partners, regarding funding, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities at all our council-owned water-play facilities.”