Gorleston’s splashpad has been declared a huge success as engineers prepare to pack away its fountains and spinning jets for the winter.
Council leader Graham Plant said the £300,000 attraction which replaced the lower-prom’s concrete paddling pool had “exceeded all expectations” and “performed well” in terms of maintenance.
He said: “The new splashpad exceeded all expectations in popularity with families this summer, offering yet another reason for residents and tourists to visit Gorleston seafront with their children and grandchildren.
“We’ve received lots of positive and useful feedback from those whose kids ‘took the splash’, which is just fantastic.
“It has been wonderful to see the beaming smiles on the faces of the little ones who just loved it, especially during the heatwave.
“Considering the splashpad is a newly-installed, complex piece of equipment that’s seen intensive use by hundreds of young children, it has performed well with limited maintenance issues and we’ve continued to monitor its operation during the summer.
“Now the summer holidays have drawn to an end, it will remain open at weekends only until Sunday, September 23, subject to weather, so if your kids haven’t yet tried it then please do hurry as there are just a couple of weekends left.
“The splashpad is specifically designed as a seasonal attraction. After September 23, the facility will be prepared for winterisation, which includes removing all the features for storage, to ensure they are kept out of the freezing winter weather and remain safe and in good condition for next year.”
MORE: New seafront water park is a splash hit!The colourful water park has been hailed as a great new asset for Gorleston whose wide sands found fame via film director Danny Boyle this summer as a location for a key scene in his new Beatle’s-themed comedy.However there was disappointed for some families who made the effort to visit the seaside attraction over the summer only to find it shut - once within a week of it opening and again towards the end of the holidays.It was officially opened on August 8.With no depth of water and non-slip matting it is considered much safer than its 1960’s-built predecessor.Parents also said it was a nice way for children to socialise with other youngsters and make friends.MORE: This cool looking splash park is coming to the seaside this summer
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