Splash ‘n’ Play Opens with Community Celebration at Parson’s Close

On 1st May 2026, Parson’s Close Recreation Ground proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Splash ‘n’ Play facility, bringing the community together for a truly memorable day.

Town Mayor Cllr David Bligh, joined by Deputy Mayor Cllr James Emm, officially opened the space by cutting the ribbon before proving to be excellent sports in promptly receiving the first soaking from the “double the fun” TwinSplash tipping bucket, much to the delight of everyone watching.

The celebrations were made even more special as pupils from Mary Bassett Lower School, winners of the splash pad floor competition, and Beaudesert Lower School, winners of the splash pad wall mural competition, were invited to exclusively enjoy their prize. As the very first children to experience the new water play activities, they brought their creativity to life, laughing, playing and making the most of every splash in the warm sunshine. The pupil that created the splash pad floor winning design played with her friends and described the day as her best day ever.

The excitement continued the following day, with Splash ‘n’ Play opening to all residents and visitors on 2nd May, welcoming families from across the community to enjoy the vibrant new addition to the park.

With sunshine overhead, water in full flow and smiles all around, the opening weekend perfectly captured the spirit of this community-driven project, one shaped by local creativity and designed to deliver fun, inclusivity and lasting memories for years to come.

Website case study here: https://www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk/splash-n-play/