Verulamium Splash Park will not open early despite petition

The popular Verulamium attraction is set to reopen on July 8, but more than 1,000 people have called for an earlier launch following the recent high temperatures.

A petition questioned why St Albans' splash park was not open when its counterparts in Hertfordshire, including Watford and Hemel Hempstead, were welcoming families from early May.

Members of St Albans Green Party, Livy Gibbs and Sally Leonard, who created the movement, said: "Everyone Active operates the splash park on behalf of St Albans City & District Council (SADC). The company recently reported profits of £9 million, up by around 50 per cent.

St Albans Splash Park is currently closed. (Image: Archant)

"Opening the splash park sooner would be a small investment that could make a big difference to local children and families.

"St Albans families deserve the same opportunities as those in neighbouring towns. Let's give local children something to smile about this summer."

SADC has confirmed the splash park will be opening in line with its planned schedule - from July 8 to September 2 (56 days).

Helen Campbell, lead councillor for sport and leisure, parks and parking, said: “We all love our Splash Park at Verulamium Park and we would have loved for it to have been open during the recent very hot spell - for little kids - and big kids alike!

“Sadly, we can’t always predict the weather and there’s a lot of preparation work, maintenance and staff recruitment that has to happen before it opens to make sure it’s safe, clean and supervised."

In a statement posted on Facebook, the councillor explained why launching the attraction is not as simple as "just opening it early".

Firstly, a structured mobilisation period is required to prepare and commission plant equipment, identify and resolve maintenance issues, undertake system chlorination, and complete microbiological testing. She said this system must be fully operational for a minimum of 14 days prior to opening.

Everyone Active is also currently recruiting seasonal staff for 2026, with the July opening date in mind. All staff must complete mandatory training and obtain relevant certifications, including Health & Safety and First Aid, prior to opening.

The councillor highlighted "severe budget shortfalls" within the district council too, as the body looks to save money.

"One of the savings identified was a change to the operations of the Splash Park," Cllr Campbell said. "Options considered were charging for use of the splash park, closing it altogether or reducing the operational weeks.

"A reduction from May–September to an eight-week period aligned with the school summer holidays has enabled a balance of accessibility during peak demand with the need to achieve financial savings."

Responding to calls for crowdfunding, she said this would present the council with a number of risks which would be "operational, financial and reputational", so this option was not possible.

The councillor did however confirm that "internal discussions" about potentially setting an earlier opening date for 2027 had begun.