Neath Port Talbot

New Aberavon Beach Aqua Splash to open on Monday

Published

2 years ago

30th June 2021

Editor

The popular Aqua Splash attraction for children and families will re-open at Aberavon Beach on Monday (5 July) with a range of more than 30 exciting new water features including fountains, jets, “waterfalls” and a tipping water bucket.

The new Aqua Splash facilities have replaced the old paddling pool and its water features will be spread over a large central play area.

Work on the new Aqua Splash began on February 1st this year and has now been completed, the design including new seating and other facilities surrounding the site. The work was carried out by Ustigate Ltd which has extensive experience in the aquatic play industry, having completed more than 100 installations since 1990.

Due to the continued need to stick to social distancing guidelines, Aqua Splash will begin with a maximum of 200 people allowed in at any one time. Staff from Celtic Leisure, which will run the facility for the council, will control numbers going in and out using a manual “click in, click out” system.

There is no need to book with visitors allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Numbers allowed into the facility, which is free of charge, are likely to change as Welsh Government Covid guidelines change and as on-site staff carry out monitoring.

**The new Aqua Splash at Aberavon Beach** (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

Aqua Splash will be open daily from 10am to 7pm.

Consideration is currently being given to the possible addition of a “quiet hour” for children who feel they may not be able to cope with large numbers of people.

Signage around the Aqua Splash site will remind visitors of the importance of good hygiene and maintaining safe social distancing. The Aqua Splash will be cleaned by Celtic Leisure staff.

A kiosk will be open selling ice cream and other refreshments.

Cllr Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development said: “Over the past two decades there has been major investment in infrastructure and facilities on the Aberavon Seafront and promenade by the council’s regeneration team with help from funders including the Big Lottery Fund and the Green Seas Programme.

“During these years, updated public toilets have been installed, along with railings, seating, lighting and signage, plus two new children’s play areas, a skateboard park and re-designed sunken gardens making the Aberavon Seafront a major attraction in South Wales.”

Cllr Peter Rees, the council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, added: “The new look Aqua Splash will provide local people and visitors with a fantastic family attraction overlooking the sea at Aberavon Beach and will complement the outdoor gym which has just been put in place on the seafront.”

What you need to know

What is a splash pad?

A splash pad is a play facility that combines following, spraying, jetting, and splashing water. The result is fun for children of all ages.

When is Aqua Splash open?

Subject to government guidance and weather conditions, Aqua Splash will be open everyday for specific sessions between 10am to 7pm.

Will I have to pay to use the facility?

No. The Aqua Splash is free to use.

Do I need to book in advance?

There is no need to book in advance for the Auqa Splash however there is a maximum number of people allowed within the park area at any one time. Entry will be on a first come first serve basis

Can I leave and re-enter the park during a session?

If you need to leave the park for any reason, please speak to a member of staff on the exit gate.

What measures are in place to keep people safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus?

Keeping people safe is our priority but we also need everyone to play their part to help keep each other safe. Please follow the instructions and guidance the information banners and notices on display.

Signage around the Aqua Splash will remind visitors of the importance of good hygiene and maintaining safe social distancing.

The Aqua Splash will be cleaned by Celtic Leisure staff at the beginning and end of every day as well as in between each timed session.

Can I take food and drink in?

You can bring your own food and drink into the park for your personal consumption. Please use the bins provided for your litter. No barbecues of any type are permitted. No alcohol is permitted on the premises.

How long can I stay?

Stays in the Aqua Splash are only limited to the hours of opening which are between 10am and 7pm. However due to limitations on the numbers spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and once the park is full you will be reliant on people leaving before anyone else can come in.

Is there an age limit for children using the splash pad?

There is no age restrictions, although the splash facility is most suitable for younger children.

Do all children using the AquaSplash need to be accompanied by an adult?

Yes, all children must be accompanied by at least 1 appropriate adult who will be responsible for the conduct and welfare of those children in their care.

Are there changing facilities provided?

There are no changing rooms available.

Can I bring my dog?

With the exception of Service Dogs (guide dogs or hearing dogs), no dogs or other pets are allowed in the Aqua Splash facility.

Adverse Weather

In the event of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or thunder and lightening, visitors will be instructed to leave the splash pad immediately. Water jets will be turned off until weather conditions improve, and at least until 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightening event.