Merton’s Parks Paddling Pools Out-Of-Action In Record-Breaking Heatwave
As London experiences record-breaking heat and amber weather warnings, Merton Liberal Democrats have criticised the delayed and limited opening of the borough’s paddling pools and Splash Pads, calling the situation bizarre and unacceptable.
Currently, only two of Merton’s eight water play facilities, the Splash Pads at Wimbledon Park and Tamworth, are open.
Five of the six paddling pools, including those at Colliers Wood, King George’s, Rowan, Joseph Hood, and Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields, won’t open until 19 July, despite one of the hottest Junes on record. The Morden Park paddling pool will remain closed for the entire 2025 summer season.
Lib Dem councillors warn that families are being denied vital access to safe, public spaces to cool down, precisely when they are needed most. Wimbledon saw the hottest start to the tennis championships on record this week.
Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler has demanded answers from the Council, asking:
- Why the facilities remain closed during peak heat period
- What maintenance issues are preventing earlier access
- Why opening dates were advertised incorrectly
- What the cost would be to open them now
Last year, Merton Lib Dems proposed a budget amendment to extend paddling pool openings across summer, but this was rejected by Labour council bosses.
Commenting, Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler said:
“My constituents are rightly disappointed that on some of the hottest days of the year, they can’t access these facilities. They could have provided a significant respite for children to cool down in the heat over the past few weeks, and it’s outrageous that families will have to wait almost 3 weeks until they are open.”
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Cannon Hill Councillor Jenifer Gould said:
“Parents are desperate for local spaces to escape the heat with their children. The delayed openings and complete closure of Morden Park’s facility show a shocking lack of foresight and concern for residents’ wellbeing.”