A paddling pool that’s been keeping Guildford’s children entertained for over 80 years has reopened with a fresh new look in Stoke Park, Guildford’s award winning park close to the town centre. Colourful animals from UK seas decorate the floor, with a sand-coloured path and water sprays to play in now in place. The new pool also has wheelchair-friendly access so every child can enjoy the water.

The pool was reopened at a ceremony yesterday (Monday 2 May) by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith, who cut the ribbon across the pool. Pool games and mini golf were also on offer plus a live band playing traditional tunes to celebrate the reopening of the pool for the summer season.

Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith says: “The paddling pool has brought joy to countless generations of Guildford families and their children over the past 80 years. I am delighted to see it reopen with an exciting new design. Our parks team have worked really hard to make the pool accessible to all and I hope many will come and enjoy it this summer.”

The plant room has also been rebuilt with new equipment and filters to manage the water quality. Two filters with a diameter of 1.8 metres each and new pumps remove, clean and replace all the 120,000 litres of water held by the pool in 48 minutes, which is five times faster than the old plant equipment. This ensures sparkling clean water even when the pool is packed with children.

Published on Tuesday 3 May 2016.