Aquadare splashpad becomes a reality

Friends of Aberdare Park have announced on their facebook that work on a new £300,000 splash pad including the upgrade of the building will commence on Monday August 17th. The new Aquadare facility will replace the much loved, but defunct outdoor paddling pool at Aberdare Park.
Members of the Friends of Aberdare Park Group carried out research four years ago, to find out what residents would prefer – a paddling pool or splash pad? The overwhelming result was a splash pad.

The Group have worked tirelessly since then to make this wish, become a reality; contacting organisations, completing funding applications and holding hundreds of innovative fundraising events.

Working with officers at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to undertake building inspections and complete the legal aspects, including the Lease, Licence etc; the Group are delighted to announce that aquatic play specialists Waterplay Solutions Limited have been awarded the contract to install the splash pad.

The work at this popular tourist location will include the building of the splash pad and installation of aquatic play features, including tall sprays – Trilly Lilly, Wavy Wand, Spin Splasher, Sneaky Soakers, ground sprays – Misty Mountain, Solo Spurt and Soft Tulip and others such as Spinaroo, Splash Blaster, Misty Twisty, Rainbow Dome and a Fun Brella.
Trustee and Chair of the Friends Group, Philip Rees said “We are delighted to see the works commencing on the splash pad. During our fundraising events we have spoken with hundreds of residents who have described their childhood memories of visiting Aberdare Park and the paddling pool. Now, we will once again have an exciting aquatic facility in our well loved park. This facility will be accessible to all ages and abilities.

We would like to thank all the organisations and residents for their generosity in supporting this project. We are fortunate to have a proactive Friends Group, who have worked so hard in fundraising”.

Congratulating the Friends Group on their determination to achieve the Aquadare Splash Pad, Kate Breeze, Acting Executive Director at Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund said “The Park is an iconic asset for the Cynon Valley and is a very well-used, high quality green space. The Friends are having a clear impact on its management, and their achievements to date are impressive. This splash pad is a direct response to the wishes of the young people and the wider community and the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund is incredibly proud to be supporting this development with a grant of £148,540”.
Further to the works carried out by Water Play, the Group are grateful to the excellent support of Robert Lewis of WDL Homes., and also Davies Bros. who will be refurbishing the pool building including improved access and the installation of a specialised toilet room providing full disabled facilities.

The Trustees of Friends of Aberdare Park would like to acknowledge the funding received from its sponsors:- Pen Y Cymoedd, Welsh Government, Welsh Church Act, The Michael Sobell Welsh Peoples Charitable Association, Davies Homes, WDL Homes, Davies Brothers (Wales Ltd), Castell Howell, Pennant Walters, RCT Together, and also those who have donated and supported our fundraising activities.

The splash pad will open in April 2021 and will add to the attractions that Aberdare Park already boast including a play area, boating lake, café, world famous fountain, bandstand, Bowls and Tennis courts.

To follow the progress of the Aquadare Project visit:-
Website: www.foaberdarepark.com
Face Book: @AberdareParkWales
Twitter: @FOAberdarepark
Youtube: Friends of Aberdare Park