The people of Haverhill said they wanted a splashpad, and that is exactly what they got

A splashpad for Haverhill has been officially opened following a £230,000 investment by the Town Council and West Suffolk Council.

The new amenity at the recreation ground has already made a big splash with families with an official opening celebration on Saturday afternoon, with music, circus skills and fun.

In December 2020 Haverhill Town Council agreed to fund the building of a new splashpad on the Recreation Ground.

Following a design and build tendering exercise earlier this year Ustigate Waterplay were appointed the task of creating the new facility, following consultation with local school children on what water play it should include.

Haverhill Mayor, Councillor Liz Smith, said: “This is a great example of Haverhill Town Council and West Suffolk Council responding to local residents wishes – councillors heard loud and clear that this was a facility people wanted to have and were firmly in the driving seat in delivering it.”

Haverhill Town Council provided £180,000 and West Suffolk Council, who owns the recreation ground, have contributed £50,000 from local developer contributions.

Ustigate were the first company to introduce a splashpad concept to the UK. They have a proven track record of providing fun and exciting splash parks throughout the country.

As part of the arrangement between the two councils, the town council will be taking on the management of the refreshment kiosk so that their staff can provide a contact point if there are any issues with the splashpad.

Town clerk Colin Poole said: “We are pleased to have been able to work closely with the current kiosk management and are grateful for the smooth handover.

“Having staff on the site provides a point of contact for visitors to one of the town’s busiest public parks and ensure issues on site can be dealt with quickly.”

Haverhill town and district councillor Tony Brown has championed this facility and been the driving force to get it delivered.

He said: ”The splashpad is something people have been asking for – it is great to have a new facility for young kids to play, particularly after the difficult and challenging year, when they have not been able to just play with their friends.

“I’m really pleased that we have been able to extend the open season for it until the end of October half-term, so families can get the most use out of it.”

Mr Poole went on to say: “It is fabulous to hear that the splashpad is being very well used already.

“It is worth noting that the waste-water is collected for watering the flowers in the High Street and around town.

“I am sure that people who are concerned about excess water usage will be reassured to hear there is also a clever automatic system that stops and starts the splashpad periodically to prevent too much water being used.

“If it stops responding, it means the children will need to wait just a little while whilst it refills ready for more fun.”

Councillor John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “I am so pleased that the plans to build a splashpad on the Recreation Ground have come to fruition.

“Families have already been enjoying these new facilities which are part of our investment in Haverhill and the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“I am sure this new facility is also particularly welcome for young families after months of restrictions due to the pandemic and I would like to thank Haverhill Town Council for leading on this exciting project.

“It just shows what can be achieved by working together in partnership for the benefit of the communities we serve.”

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