Published on Friday 20 March 2026
Sunshine, splashing and summer memories are officially back on the horizon for families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who can look forward to splashing back into summer as all four public paddling pools are set to reopen, thanks to a joint effort between BCP Council and its local community partners.
A firm favourite for generations, the paddling pools offer free and family‑friendly fun, giving children the chance to cool off, play and explore during the warmer months. Their return means residents can once again enjoy low‑cost, local days out in some of the area’s most popular parks and open spaces.
Christchurch’s Quomps Splash Park, now operated by Christchurch Town Council, will once again offer children the chance to cool down by the Quay during peak temperatures. A late May reopening is planned.
At Littledown Park, the paddling pool - set within 47 acres of green open space – is also getting ready to make a splash this summer. Operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council, the paddling pool will reopen in May 2026, with more updates being shared soon.
Both Redhill and Hamworthy Park paddling pools will reopen for the season on Saturday 23 May, just in time for the bank holiday weekend. Families can look forward to a summer of fun and active play, with both sites offering welcoming spaces for children to splash, cool off, and enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the continued collaboration and support of local partners and the community, the pools will once again be popular places for families to come together and make lasting memories.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “The paddling pools are incredibly valued by our community, and I’m so pleased that we can announce that they will soon be open for the summer months.
"Being able to provide our communities with such free-to-use facilities brings real joy and meaningful play opportunities for children.
“I want to thank our partners and the dedicated council teams who work tirelessly each season to make this possible. This type of partnership working reflects the council’s ambition to further empower local neighbourhoods.”
Christchurch Town Mayor Vivienne Charrett said:
“I am delighted that the much‑loved Quomps Splash Park will reopen for the 2026 Summer season, welcoming families back to one of our town’s most joyful community spaces. Building on the success of previous years, we are proud to ensure that the Splash Park will once again offer a vibrant, safe, and inclusive environment for children to cool off, play, and make lasting memories.”
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared:
“We’re delighted to be opening Littledown Park’s paddling pool for the summer season. As a local charity, we’re passionate about creating safe, active and affordable spaces for families to enjoy. The paddling pool is a much‑loved part of the park, and our teams are looking forward to welcoming the community back for more fun in the sunshine.”
Michael Clare, The Café in the Park, said:
"I am delighted that the paddling pool is opening again this year, thanks to the help, hard work and dedication of everyone at The Friends of Hamworthy Park charity who helped make it happen, especially Malcolm Swords."
Malcolm Swords, Treasurer of The Friends of Hamworthy Park, said: "I am proud to say the charity is working tirelessly to ensure the pool opens every summer for years to come.
“It has been the life and heart of Hamworthy Park for generations and I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the community that we are all happy to know it is opening again this year. I am already working on plans to raise the funds needed for it to open in 2027 and I hope the local community will continue to help and support the charity in achieving this".