A new fundraising initiative is in progress, supported by the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground, to help deliver a comprehensive refurbishment of the paddling pool into a new waterplay area.
This long-standing ambition of the Friends follows the successful restoration of the historic bandstand last year. Public consultation is also now underway to gather views on the future of the site.
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said “We warmly encourage all residents to take part and share their ideas to help shape the next chapter of this much-loved community space, by filling out our online consultation form: Croydon Road Recreation Ground (Beckenham Rec) Water Area Public Consultation. The redevelopment of the paddling pool has been part of the long-term strategy for the park, as identified within the council’s Open Space Strategy. We recognise that local families will support this initiative, and we look forward to working with them to generate a successful fundraising application, which this exciting project will need.”
Chris Phillips, Chair of the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground said “We have long recognised the need to replace the paddling pool, with our vision being for accessible interactive waterplay, thus maintaining one of the features that has made our ever-popular park special. This is the time for us all to come together with a successful fundraising campaign, and we look forward to your support in the coming months. If this proposal particularly inspires you, and you are not already a member of the Friends group, please do join, as your support will be greatly appreciated.”
This news follows a recent inspection of the paddling pool, which identified significant health and safety concerns. The assessment also confirmed that short-term interim repairs would not be viable, reinforcing the need for a full refurbishment.
As a result, the paddling pool is being kept closed for the foreseeable future while safe and sustainable solutions are explored. In the meantime, temporary additions to provide alternative play provision at this location for local families are being considered.
Donations from supporters are already being invited by the Friends online, by visiting the Just Giving page, with further news coming forward in due course.
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