Splash in the park from the end of March

THE Splashpad in the King George V Park is due to open on Friday 31st March, to coincide with the start of the school Easter holidays.

At the Melksham Town Council’s asset management and amenities meeting on Monday 6th February, councillors voted to open the water play facility, subject to weather conditions, daily from 10am to 5pm from Friday 31st March until at least Sunday 3rd September.

Preparations will be made in the week running up to the opening, to iron out any potential issues at the site.

The facility was initially due to open on Good Friday, 7th April, but councillors discussed the need for this to be brought forward to be open for the entire duration of the school Easter break.

Speaking in favour of the earlier opening date, cllr Jon Hubbard said, “I’d hate to think that we’ve got children going on to their Easter break and we haven’t got all of our facilities up and running for them.”

Councillors also agreed to look into the possibility of extending opening hours beyond 5pm during hot weather in the summer and extending the opening further into September, and there was considerable support for both.

Councillor Jon Hubbard said, “The weather in September is usually wonderful and it’s even nice going into October. Closing the Splashpad that early in September feels like the earliest date to do so. I think we should leave it open a bit longer, or perhaps have reduced hours in the week and normal opening hours at the weekend, to allow children to play in it then.”

During the discussion, cllr Colin Goodhind proposed a professional notice board is installed, to update people about what is happening with the Splashpad each day when they arrive at the park.

He said, “Throughout last year, there have been examples of the Splashpad being out of action for a day for something that we can’t anticipate, but there is nothing to tell anybody coming into the park to use it what is going on. We must have this in place from day one.”

THE zip wire at the King George V Park is back open for use, after being out of action for around 18 months. The piece of play equipment has been closed since summer 2021 after it was broken and needed to be repaired. Criticism was raised by residents about the length of time it was taking to be fixed.

The town council said there was a delay with the repair because of ‘supply issues.’ Now the zip wire is open for public use and this follows the town council’s news that the Splashpad will open on Friday 31st March to coincide with the school Easter holidays.

Pictured: cllr Sue Mortimer trying out the new zip wire.