Derby City Council regrets to announce that the paddling pool at Markeaton Park will remain closed this year. The pool could not reopen as normal in spring because it needed essential resurfacing work.
The surface of the pool, which is located within the popular Mundy Play Area, started to show signs of deterioration towards the end of last year. Further investigation revealed the pool required a full resurface.
Specialist contractors were employed to undertake the works, but prolonged wet weather during spring and into early summer caused an initial delay to the resurfacing process, which needs to be done in dry conditions.
Since work started, the Council has done everything in its power to get the pool open in time for the school summer holidays. Unfortunately, there have been technical issues with the resurfacing process, which are currently being investigated by the contractors.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:
We’re very sorry we won’t be able to open the paddling pool this summer. Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have meant this won’t be possible.
We’ve had a number of setbacks, including bad weather and unforeseen issues with the resurfacing work, which has been carried out by a contractor. This has been frustrating for us because we know many people were looking forward to enjoying the pool during the school holidays. We understand how disappointing this is.
We’re fortunate to have so many wonderful parks in Derby and hope people can still enjoy all the other fantastic facilities on offer, both at Markeaton Park and across the city.
Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and has a host of attractions to keep visitors entertained, including picturesque parkland and walking trails, sports facilities, the newly reopened Tree House Trek high ropes course and the popular Craft Village and Orangery Café. During the school holidays, families can enjoy bouncy castles, electric cars, canoes, mini golf and fairground rides at Mundy Play Centre, plus the Famous Trains model railway.
The Water Play area at Chaddesden Park remains open as normal. It opens from midday until 5pm at weekends and during the school holidays (weather permitting) until early September.