Free pools in Bournemouth will open this summer, funded by BCP Council. They offer families a chance to have low-cost fun.
They plan to find funding that works long-term for 2026 and beyond. They are open to offers from businesses, so stakeholders can take over pool operations in the future.
All pools offer free entry to everyone. They provide families with fun, low-cost activities that people of all ages enjoy during the summer months, and many have visited them across decades.
The Hamworthy Park pool receives shared funding. The BCP Council will fund part of it, and The Friends of Hamworthy Park also provide funds, supported by the park’s café profit.
The Quomps splash park will reopen, too, located at Christchurch Quay. The Christchurch Town Council now manages the splash park; this transfer happened during 2024.
Littledown park’s pool will open this summer once more. BH Live will manage it with BCP Council.
Council leader Millie Earl feels very happy and confirmed the pools will open soon. Families can come to enjoy them this summer.
Free places bring people immense happiness and give kids essential ways to play. Millie thanked partners and staff for support. The officers keep pools running all season.
The council is happy to work with the community and hopes to see more joint efforts like this.
Helen Craig is a trustee for the park’s Friends group. She said the paddling pool is very important, giving kids a free and safe space to play.
Michael Clarke runs the cafe in the park there. He is proud to support the paddling pool again, as generations of families gather at Hamworthy Park each year.
Rob Cunningham directs leisure at BH Live. He said they will do essential maintenance, readying the pool for summer fun.
Melanie Blackman works for Christchurch Town Council and said owning the Splash Park was great. This happened last year.
Redhill Park pool users can donate money, which helps with high pool maintenance costs. Donations will support this year and future years.
People can donate using an easy QR code, found right at the park’s pool site. Public support makes sustainability much easier.