The reopening of the paddling pool at Markeaton Park will be delayed due to 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. Upon further investigation, it was found the pool needed a full resurface.
Prolonged wet weather in recent months pushed back the start of the project and, while progress is being made, the painstaking work to remove the previous surface took longer than originally anticipated. Now this stage is complete, specialist assessment work will determine the best way to progress with the resurfacing process to enable the work to be completed.
Unfortunately, this means the paddling pool will not be ready in time for its usual Spring Bank Holiday opening at the end of May.
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 and the popular Craft Village and Orangery Café. During half term, families will be able enjoy bouncy castles, electric cars, canoes, mini golf and fairground rides at Mundy Play Centre, plus the Famous Trains model railway.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said:
“We’re very sorry that we’ve had to delay the opening of the paddling pool. We understand this will be disappointing because it’s such a popular attraction at the park.
“We need to carry out this work carefully to ensure the pool is in the best possible condition and can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. The unprecedented wet weather has been a setback, but we’re working hard to ensure the work is carried out as quickly as possible. We’ll announce the reopening date as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, there will still be lots of fun to be had at Mundy Play Centre over the half-term holiday. It’s also exciting to see the high ropes course is being refurbished and the new operator, Tree House Trek, plans to open in time for half-term.”
The Water Play area at Chaddesden Park will open on Saturday 25 May, as normal. It will be open from midday until 5pm at weekends and during the school holidays (weather permitting) until early September.