Much-loved paddling pool set for reopening this spring

A much-loved paddling pool which has had to close several times because of maintenance costs and the need for repairs is all set for a grand reopening.

Thanks to volunteers from the Friends of Ruskin Park, Lambeth council, Urban Village Homes and the generosity of donors, renovation work has almost completed Ruskin Park paddling pool, which will open in time for summer.

A total of £46,000 has been raised through grants from the council, donations and fund-raising activities.

Ruskin Park Paddling Pool, in Denmark Hill, first closed in 2015, when a lack of funds meant it was impossible to maintain.

Demand was so great that campaigners raised the money to reopen the pool, stepping up to run the pool and ensure it could operate safely.

In 2020, a broken water pump caused the pool to close again, and the lockdowns halted any chance of a swift reopening.

The pool did open again in July 2021, but aging equipment meant that it had to close once again in September.

Thanks to the efforts of the community, alongside charities like the Herne Hill Forum, and the Herne Hill Society, and contributions from businesses, the pool’s revamp is almost complete.

The improvements that are being made will ensure the pool remains clean and safe, and will include more water jets, a new plant room and equipment, new pumps and filtration,

Urban Village founder Suzanne Vincent has a personal connection to the pool, as her own children always loved playing there.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the pool is opening once again.

“It’s been a beloved feature of Ruskin Park for so long, nobody could bear to see it close.

“Of course, its long history also meant a number of age-related problems were inevitable.

“I’m so proud of the work of my fellow volunteers at Lambeth Landscapes and Friends of Ruskin Park in ensuring the paddling pool can re-open sustainably.

“Thanks also to Lambeth council for their part in funding the works.

“I’m delighted that we can maintain the pool for this and future generations.”

The re-opening is scheduled for the late May bank holiday, 2022, with a party to celebrate the relaunch.

While the works’ funding target has been met, additional contributions are more than welcome, and are still vital for ongoing maintenance and improvement.

Email info@urbanvillagehomes.com or volunteering@friendsofruskinpark.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering.

Pictured top: The paddling pool