Splashpad to replace pool?
ABERDARE’S old paddling pool, which has been shut down since 2014, could be brought back to life as a children’s splashpad play area.
THE outdoor paddling pool at Aberdare Park could soon be brought back into use as a splash pad for young children.
The Friends of Aberdare Park group, which formed last year to make improvements to the public park, has revealed an artist’s impression of what the new facility could look like.
It will replace the existing unused pool, which closed during a wave of Rhondda Cynon Taf council cuts in 2014.
The group is working with the council, local residents and other organisations to improve the park, and has undertaken consultation at a number of public events to get the views of people who use the park.
One of the main focuses recently has been the idea of replacing the paddling pool with a splash pad - a water play facility without an actual pool.
In recent weeks, the group has met with a supplier of splash pads to discuss the facility and potential costs.
Aberdare West and Llwydcoed councillor Ann Crimmings, a member of Friends of Aberdare Park, said: “Both myself and councillor Sharon Rees have been encouraged with the progress the group has made over the past few months.
“A tremendous amount of work has gone into applying for charity status, which will put us in good stead to apply for funding.
“Working in partnership with local authority officers, the group is not only focusing on a busi- ness case for the splash pad, but also on setting up sub committees to determine proposals brought forward by the community, including educational and environmental projects.”
The group has already made improvements to the park, including the restoration of the Eisteddfod gate and paths around the rose gardens, as well of a sampling of the lake in preparation for its cleaning.
Another key project on the group’s agenda is to address the Raglan Coach Crash Memorial in the park, which was damaged by vandals.
For more information about the group, visit the Friends of Aberdare Park Facebook page.