At September’s meeting of Elmbridge Cabinet, Councillors will be asked to consider a Water Play Strategy for the borough, appreciating the value placed on water-based play among Elmbridge families and to ensure these facilities are available each summer for years to come.
Among the sandpits, natural play equipment, the swings and the skateparks, we currently provide two paddling pools (Oatlands Recreation Ground and Churchfields Recreation Ground) and one splashpad (Hersham Recreation Ground).
Following the Sustainable Play and Paddling Pools Report considered by Cabinet on 6 July 2022, further consultation has been undertaken with residents to gather their views on the future of water play. The consultation ran from 1 October 2022 until the 30 November 2022 and was published and shared on social media, the council website and through local groups.
The consultation gathered 779 responses, 92% from local residents, with the remaining 8% responses living outside the borough. 77% of respondents had used one of the 3 current facilities. The overall majority (96%) of respondents felt that water play facilities should be provided by the Elmbridge Borough Council.
Based on this feedback, Elmbridge Cabinet is being asked to consider the future strategy for sustainable water play, while balancing the environmental and financial impact of the facilities.
- The Hersham Splash Pad: Throughout the summer families have enjoyed the new safety surface installed at the splash pad at a cost of £30K. The surface is due for renewal in 2027 and Cabinet will be asked to assess future investment in the splash pad in 2026.
- Churchfields Recreation Ground paddling pool: Cabinet is being asked to consider converting the existing paddling pool to a splash pad in 2025/2026, subject to funding. Specifically a flow through splash pad which is arguably more sustainable in balancing water and energy use.
- Oatlands Recreation Ground paddling pool: Cabinet is being asked to consider converting the paddling pool into a non-water based play option in 2026/27. Due to its proximity to Churchfields Recreation Ground, an alternative water play option can then be provided in another part of the borough which currently has no water play facilities such as Molesey or Cobham.
The timing on these options would be revisited should any major repairs be required in the meantime.
We have heard from our residents how much they value water-based play facilities in the borough, and we are taking steps to ensure Elmbridge continues to have at least three recreation grounds with water-based play. We want all residents to have access to these facilities which may mean spreading them geographically round the borough for the benefit of all.
Being aware of our sustainable Elmbridge ambitions, we will work to balance the water and energy use of these water based facilities, with the value they bring to local families.
We have listened to our community. Water based play is important to Elmbridge and we will ensure these facilities are available for all in our community.
Cllr Simon Waugh, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy