FAMILIES will be able to cool off at paddling pools across BCP this summer.

The free-to-enter pools are popular with families in the warmer months, with many being enjoyed by residents and their children for generations.

BCP Council has confirmed that all four public paddling pools in BCP will reopen for summer following the finalisation of funding agreements.

Redhill, Hamworthy Park and Littledown paddling pools are expected to open between May 23 and September 6 once the required maintenance and safety checks have been completed.

The Quomps Splash Park will be open from 9am to 6pm from May half term to September.

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Hamworthy Park Padding Pool in Poole will be part-funded by BCP Council, with a subsidy from The Friends of Hamworthy Park and from the park’s café concession, for the second year running after a successful collaboration in 2024.

Helen Craig, a trustee at Friends of Hamworthy Park, said: “The paddling pool is a vital local facility for early years outdoor play, giving children a free, safe space to be active, build confidence, and develop through splashing, exploring, making friends and spending quality time with their families.

“We’re proud to help keep it open for our community.”

Michael Clarke, from The Café in the Park, said: ”Hamworthy Park has always been a place where generations of families gather, and we’re proud to support the paddling pool again, keeping it a hub for summer holidays, after-school fun, and happy childhood memories.”

Redhill paddling pool in Bournemouth will welcome families once more this summer, after the council agreed to allocate funding from this year’s budget which.

The council hopes that this, alongside significant staff resources, will help to keep the facility open for 2025, whilst a more sustainable funding option is sought.

The Quomps Splashpark at Christchurch Quay – which transferred to Christchurch Town Council in 2024, is also set to reopen – giving children the chance to cool down on the quayside when the temperatures rise.

Melanie Blackman, Christchurch Town Council projects and operations officer, said a paddling pool has been at the Quomps within Christchurch Quay since the early 1940s.

“The current Splash Park was officially opened in 2010 and, throughout the summer, is filled with children having fun using the exciting and hugely interactive water installations,” she said.

“The vibrant design celebrates the unique geography and heritage of Christchurch and was created by a group of very imaginative youngsters and the local community. The Quomps Splash Park is open 9am – 6pm from May half term to September.

“Taking on the ownership of the Splash Park last year was a wonderful moment for Christchurch Town Council as it meant that we could ensure local families and visitors can enjoy this very special place for generations to come.

“The Quay is a fabulous place for the whole family to enjoy a free day out with plenty of space for a picnic on the riverside before the kids head back into the Splash Park for more fun and laughter. “

Also getting ready to make a splash this summer is Littledown Park paddling pool, which is managed and operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council, and enjoys a location set in 47 acres of Bournemouth’s parkland.

Users of Redhill Park paddling pool can make a donation to support the high maintenance costs of the pool for this year and for years to come.

Donations can be made using a simple QR code facility on site, and BCP Council said all public support will make a real difference to the sustainability of the pool.

Users of Hamworthy Park paddling pool will also be able to make a voluntary donation again this year to The Friends of Hamworthy Park charity to help support the costs of running the pool.

BCP Council remains keen to speak with businesses and organisations that are interested in sponsoring Redhill paddling pool in 2026 and beyond, following this year’s summer season.

Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “These paddling pools are hugely popular with our local communities and I’m so pleased that we can now confirm that they will all be open and ready to welcome families by the summer.

“Free facilities like these provide so much joy, offering valuable play opportunities for children and I want to thank our partners, and our officers who work so hard throughout the season, for their continued support.

“This is joint working between the council and the BCP community at its very best, and we would like to see much more of this type of collaboration in the future. This is why we are proposing a community governance review – to give local communities more of a say in what matters to them.”

Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development for BH Live said: “The paddling pool in Littledown Park is so popular and loved by thousands of families and young people.

“Ahead of reopening, we will be carrying out essential annual maintenance to get ready for another summer season of free-to-attend fun.

“It’s a great place to cool down on a hot day, enjoy being active with others, and explore Littledown’s parkland. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”