SUMMER KIDZ: Markeaton Park Paddling Pool update

The Markeaton Park Paddling Pool. Image by Derby City Council.

A popular paddling pool at a Derby park is “on track” to reopen in time for the summer holidays following emergency repairs.

Last month, it was announced that Derby City Council bosses closed the pool at Markeaton Park amid fears for its long-term future.

The council said new damage was found on its surface and therefore had to close for safety reasons.

At the time, the council warned that the pool, created in the 1970s, was “approaching the end of its lifespan.”

The authority said it was exploring long-term options for the site’s future “to ensure Markeaton Park remains a family destination for generations to come”.

But it was heard at a full council meeting on Wednesday (July 15th) that the pool is scheduled to be back open “in time for the school summer holidays”.

But no exact dates have yet been provided, with most city schools due to break up for the summer break next week, on or just before, Thursday, July 23rd.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for leisure, told councillors at the meeting: “The team has worked very hard since just after the May half-term holidays to ensure that much-needed works at the pool are carried out, so that it can be open for the summer holidays.

“I am pleased to report that remedial works have been completed and the pool is scheduled to reopen in time for the school summer holidays. Thank you to the officers and contractors who have worked at pace to make that possible.”

In a further statement, Councillor Onuoha added: “The last step involves filling the pool and conducting final checks.

“We need to monitor how the pool responds during this final phase before announcing the exact opening date.”

The news has been welcomed by opposition councillors who have been pushing for the pool to be repaired as soon as possible.

Councillor Gaurav Pandey posted on his Facebook page: “It seems that the continued pressure from me and Councillor Hassall has paid off.

“This is fantastic news for city residents especially for local children and families who enjoy the paddling pool during the summer. ”

But Councillor Pandey said he believed there were still questions for the council to answer in terms of an exact reopening date and the pool’s long-term future.

Cllr Onuoha added: “The pool was built in the 1970s and, despite our best efforts to preserve it, the structure is reaching the end of its life. We are actively exploring modern, long-term water play options for the future to complement the park’s other attractions.”