Council 'hopeful' for park paddling pool reopening

A "much-loved" paddling pool at a park in Derby could reopen for the bank holiday weekend.

The popular feature at Markeaton Park began to deteriorate at the end of 2023 and has since been closed to allow for "essential" resurfacing work and repairs to take place.

Speaking in April, Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for leisure, said the essential resurfacing work had been a "much more complex task than anticipated".

The BBC understands the council is hoping to reopen the paddling pool on Saturday.

The project was hampered by wet weather, and the pool, which traditionally is up and running for children each May, was shut for the entire 2024 season.

Onuoha said the pool was "much-loved" and the council was "sorry" it was not in use last year.

Tree House Trek, which is based in the park, said: "We're absolutely delighted to see progress being made on the reopening of the paddling pool.

"It's a much-loved part of the park that brings families, laughter, and life to the area, and we know how much local visitors have missed it.

"We appreciate the efforts being made to get everything just right and can't wait to welcome even more families back this summer."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.