Countdown on for attraction to make a Splash!

The countdown is on towards the eagerly-anticipated opening of a fun new attraction on St Annes seafront.
Members of the Friends of St Annes Promenade Gardens with councillors and contractors at the site of the new Splash! water park being prepared on St Annes' promenadeMembers of the Friends of St Annes Promenade Gardens with councillors and contractors at the site of the new Splash! water park being prepared on St Annes' promenade
Members of the Friends of St Annes Promenade Gardens with councillors and contractors at the site of the new Splash! water park being prepared on St Annes' promenade

Work is progressing well on a state-of-the-art Splash! water park on the site of a long-abandoned former paddling pool – and the aim is that it will be open in late summer.

The water play area is intended for youngsters aged between three and 12 and the Promenade Gardens Friends group has been working on the project in partnership with Fylde Council for the last two years.

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It will be free to use and will include water play equipment such as spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops, water domes and a small section for paddling.

Funding to the tune of £250,000 has come from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and The Lions Club as well as Lancashire County Council and Fylde Council community grants and Section 106 funding.

The play area will be fully set within the existing paddling pool wall and the design will feature flowers and water references which take their inspiration from the Edwardian Garden setting.

Ian Roberts, chairman of the Friends group, said: “We are delighted to see work underway on this exciting project.

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“Our committee is made up of local residents and business owners who have worked so hard for the last two years.

”They have conducted consultation exercises with visitors and local people, establishing that there is considerable enthusiasm for this project.”

Coun Cheryl Little, chairman of the Fylde Council’s tourism and leisure committee, said: “The PGF Committee and Fylde Council have really packed this attraction with features.

“It is a mini family adventure park all on its own for residents and visitors alike come rain or shine.”

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Council leader Coun Sue Fazackerley added: “It had been my dream, for very many years, to see the former paddling pool in the Promenade Gardens restored, having enjoyed many happy hours there as a child.

“I was thrilled, when I was cabinet member for leisure and culture, my colleagues agreed to back a project to regenerate the area and turn it into an exciting new water feature. I can’t wait for it to open.”

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