The Isle of Wight Council says that it is open to sitting down with campaigners and the wider Ryde community to talk about the future of Ryde Splash Park.
As first reported by Island Echo, a grassroots campaign to reopen the much-loved paddling pool has been gathering momentum.
Local resident Charlotte Pugmire has set up a petition calling for the reopening of Ryde’s Isaac Hayward Water Park and Paddling Pool, a well-loved space for children, families, and tourists alike, which has fallen into disrepair.
Island Echo has been reporting on the state of the community facility for several years, highlighting the moss-covered flooring, flaking fences, and, more critically, the ageing pump system which is in need of full replacement.
Designed for young children, the park was opened in memory of Isaac Hayward, a boy with cerebral palsy who tragically died aged 5 in 2001. It is currently owned by the Isle of Wight Council and was previously leased by the Waterside Community Trust until 2022.
With the petition gaining support, Jen Hughes, the newly-elected town councillor for Ryde South East, has said she is 100% behind the community on the matter and will continue to seek a resolution that results in the park’s reopening.
Councillor Michael Lilley, the Liberal Democrat County Hall representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, has said:
“Local residents feel strongly about this issue and the access to water play for young children on the Esplanade in Ryde. I am continuing to raise this with Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council.”
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An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has said this week:
“We recognise the deep emotional significance of the Isaac Hayward Paddling Pool, created in memory of a much-loved little boy whose legacy has brought joy to so many children and families in Ryde and beyond.
“We understand how important this space is — not only as a place for play and community gathering, but as a living tribute to Isaac’s life. The council is committed to listening with compassion and care to the voices of those who hold this space dear.
“At present, we want to be clear that there are no confirmed plans for the site. While some early conceptual ideas have been discussed, including alternative uses, nothing has been decided. We are very open to sitting down with Tracey and other interested members of the Ryde community to talk about the future of this area together.”
The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/save-ryde-splash-park-support-its-refurbishment-and-preservation.
So many Seasides around the country are having
Millions of pounds spent on them.
This Council is letting the island look like a dump.
Aw c’mon…call ourselves a community? Who’s going to earn respect and brownie points by being the first company to donate a pump system? Toogoods? Anyone??
Then we’d like some moss cleaners and paint sprayers, some sanders and varnishers for the tables and some Men in Sheds for a whole host of things. If anyone knows of any safety matting suppliers that would be fab too. Where’s Nick Knowles when he’s needed eh?
A volunteer-run kiosk for snacks and drinks could generate money towards maintenance funds?