Renovation works has almost completed on the beloved Ruskin Park Paddling pool, which will open in time for summer.
Ruskin Park Paddling Pool first closed in 2015, when a lack of funds meant it was impossible to maintain. Local demand was so great that campaigners raised the money to reopen the facility, stepping up to run the pool and ensure it could operate safely. In 2020, a broken water pump caused the pool to close again, and the lockdowns halted any chance of a swift reopening. The pool did open again in July 2021, but ageing equipment meant that it had to close once again in September.
Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Ruskin Park, Lambeth Council, Urban Village Homes, the tireless work of volunteers, the community, alongside local charities like the Herne Hill Forum, and the Herne Hill Society, and generous contributions from local businesses, experienced contractors are almost close to completing the work on the paddling pool, securing its long-term future for years to come.
The improvements that are being made will ensure the pool remains clean and safe, and will include:
· More water jets. The number of water outlets to the pool has increased from two to ten, improving water circulation, making it easier to clean, and quite possibly more fun too!
· A new plant room and equipment. New pumps, filtration, and automatic chlorine dosing equipment is now housed in a new above-ground enclosure. That means cleaner water and no more green slime! The pumps were previously housed in “the pit” that was difficult for volunteers to access, and prone to flooding.
· Repairs to the pool surface. The contractors are repairing damaged expansion joints, completely sanding down the pool surface, and applying new anti-slip paint.
· Dedicated mains water. Rather than sharing a supply with the café and toilets, the pool now has its own Thames Water connection. Making the pool quicker to fill and will help it to work more efficiently.
Suzanne Vincent who is the founder of Urban Village, has a personal connection to the pool, as her own children always loved playing there. She told us, “I’m absolutely thrilled that the pool is opening once again. It’s been a beloved feature of Ruskin Park for so long, nobody could bear to see it close. Of course, its long history also meant a number of age-related problems were inevitable. I’m so proud of the work of my fellow volunteers at Lambeth Landscapes and Friends of Ruskin Park in ensuring the paddling pool can re-open sustainably. Thanks also to Lambeth Council for their part in funding the works. I’m delighted that we can maintain the pool for this and future generations.”
The re-opening is scheduled for the late May bank holiday, 2022, with a party to celebrate the relaunch of such a highly valued community asset.
While the works’ funding target has been met, additional contributions are more than welcome, and are still vital for ongoing maintenance and improvement. You can donate here.
The park is always on the lookout for volunteers to help maintain the pool’s safe environment for local children. If you are interested, email [email protected] or [email protected].
