For the first time in several years, Harlow’s free-to-use paddling pools and splash parks are set to open on time this Saturday 22 July.

As part of the council’s priority to improve council services, a number of upgrades have been made to the facilities including:

New gates have been installed at the Town Park
Drainage and safety have been improved at the Staple Tye splash park which opened last year
New toilet facilities are now in place at the Staple Tye splash park
The playground surrounding Sumners paddling pool has also been improved with new equipment for families to enjoy.

A number of maintenance issues and repairs have been addressed at all parks across the town

All works have been completed and these free-to-use facilities will open as planned this Saturday.

The four paddling pools are at Harlow Town Park, Bush Fair, Norman Booth in Old Harlow and Sumners. The town’s two splash parks can be found at Staple Tye and Potter Street.

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“Our paddling pools and splash parks are a true asset to our town. They are free at the point of use and are always immensely popular with families, but unfortunately in recent years there have been delays to them opening meaning less time for families to enjoy them. That’s why as part of our priority to improve council services, we have ensured all of these facilities are ready to open on time this year and furthermore, we have made significant investments to upgrade this fantastic offering and provide a better service.

“I warmly welcome all Harlow families to our wonderful splash parks and paddling pools this Summer and hope that they very much enjoy these free facilities.”

Councillor Stacy Seales, Portfolio Holder for Community, said:

“With the financial challenges facing all families at this time, I am very pleased to announce our free-to-use paddling pools and splash parks open this weekend. We have worked hard to ensure they open on time and have further invested significantly to provide a better and more efficient service to local residents.

“Our historic paddling pools and splash parks will continue to be improved and I hope every family makes the most of our wonderful green spaces and free services this Summer.”

There is limited parking available at the Staple Tye splash park so please consider alternative forms of travel if possible. If you are driving, please park considerately and observe local parking restrictions as parking enforcement will be carried out in the area for everyone’s safety.

The paddling pools and splash parks will be open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm. You can stay up to date on the status of the paddling pools from Saturday 22 July on our paddling pools page.