The popular Aqua Splash attraction for children and families will re-open at Aberavon Beach on Monday (July 5th) 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.
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.”
