Councillors reject proposal to reduce splashpad opening hours

A PROPOSAL to reduce the opening hours of the splashpad in King George V playing field has been rejected by town councillors. 

It had been proposed that the waterplay facility only be open in the afternoons on weekdays during school term time to “aid staff productivity”. It was explained to councillors by council staff that evidence from previous years showed that when children are at school the splashpad is “well attended” in the afternoon, but quiet in the mornings. 

Rejecting the proposal, councillors instead voted to continue with the same opening hours as last year; opening 10am to 5pm every day until the end of September, weather permitting.  

About the proposed reduction in hours, councillors raised concerns that the limited opening hours could exclude families who would prefer to use the splashpad during quieter times. 

“This is a key resource that our residents pay for,” said cllr Jon Hubbard, “and they are paying for us to have it open, not paying to look at it closed. I would be aghast if we reduce access to that facility.”

He added, “There are some kids who have social interaction challenges, so having quiet periods of use is a really good thing. Children with ADHD, Asperger’s, social challenges – the quieter periods might be when they prefer to go along and utilise it. 

“If we only open the splashpad when we think it will be busy, we will be making the choice to exclude those young people from being able to use that facility.” 

Cllr Carl Houghton added, “There are also a lot of parents who have struggles with mental health, anxiety – so these quieter times are vital, because without them these families might never go to the splashpad.” 

There was also concern that having the splashpad closed in the morning would impact trade at the café in the pavilion building when it eventually opens. 

“If we are going to try and get people to use the café, wouldn’t it be more sensible to have it open in the morning as well?” said cllr Sue Mortimer. “That way, people might stay or come for lunch.” 

Councillors also highlighted that in their budget for the 2022/23 financial year, they had allocated enough money to fund two park wardens to work in the park and open the splashpad every day in the summer, 10am to 5pm. 

There was some concern raised by cllrs Tom Price and Louisa Lewis that opening every day, 10am to 5pm, might not be deliverable because of current staffing limitations. However, head of operations at Melksham Town Council, Hugh Davies, said the team would make sure the splashpad will be open – but he did warn that this could impact other services. 

At the meeting last week, councillors agreed to survey splashpad users during the summer, to find out who is using it and why, to help inform a more detailed report to plan for next year’s opening. 

Councillors also agreed that staff should be allowed enough time in the morning to prepare for the splashpad’s opening, to ensure it can open on time. If there are unforeseen circumstances that force the splashpad to close, the public will be notified by 10am on the town council’s Facebook page.