Wisbech Splashpad Officially Opens

The Wisbech Park Splashpad, developed by leading aquatic play specialists Ustigate Ltd as part of the town's Growing Fenland project, features a range of fountains and jets designed to keep kids active and cool on hot summer days.

Testing of the equipment has already taken place, with water samples now being processed to ensure that the facility is safe to open on Monday. The attraction is set to be open every day throughout the summer from 10am until 5.30pm with entry being completely free to all.

Pictured: Cllr Andrew Lynn, Cllr Steve Tierney and Cllr Samantha Hoy

The project, initially proposed and championed by Wisbech Town Council, is the result of a successful bid by Fenland District Council for funding of £147,500 from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's Market Towns programme.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for Parks and Open Spaces, said: It's fantastic to see the Splashpad arrive so quickly, and we're delighted to see it ready for kids to enjoy this summer. There is something for all ages at the Splashpad and we're sure it will be a great destination for families and friends to enjoy together."

Pictured: Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for Parks and Open Spaces

Cllr Samantha Hoy, Wisbech Town Council member and Fenland District Council Cabinet member, added: "The Splashpad is not only going to be great for local children and families, but it will also help draw people into the town too, offering further benefits for local businesses and the community as a whole."

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority manager for market town development, Domenico Cirillo said: "This Combined Authority programme enables market towns like Wisbech to shape the look and feel of their future. The Splashpad ticks so many boxes, bringing people together in the open air and green space to celebrate life in this historic town, pulling in visitors and tourists, helping to make Wisbech ever more attractive to business, and a real go-to destination."

"Investing in market towns and in Fenland generally is at the top of the Combined Authority agenda and this feelgood project at the heart of the Wisbech community will bring many a big, happy smile."

In addition to the range of fountains and jets, the Splashpad includes a whole host of state-of-the-art features include sequenced displays, touch pads to control water supply and an automatic timer to ensure that water is conserved when the facilities are not in use.

Some additional improvements are still to come, with landscaping and potential toddler play equipment to follow. The response on social media from the public in Wisbech has been highly enthusiastic already with lots of ideas for improvements, which will be considered down the line.

Article date: August 2022