
Clifton Park is celebrating summer in style with the reopening of its much-loved water splash area – freshly upgraded through a £900,000 transformation.
The reopening comes just weeks after the park proudly retained its Green Flag status for the 15th consecutive year and was also awarded the Green Heritage award, recognising its Victorian roots and ongoing excellence.
The newly revamped splash zone – funded by Rotherham Council and delivered by contractor Ustigate – now features improved safety standards, modern interactive play equipment and greater accessibility for children of all ages and abilities. With sustainability at its heart, the site also includes a more efficient water system that helps reduce waste and promote responsible use.
The water splash area is supervised by park staff and open daily from 11am to 5pm, throughout the summer.
Originally created in 2008 as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project, the water splash park has been a firm favourite among children and families for the last 15 years.
However, because of its popularity, wear and tear started to have an impact.
Following extensive public consultation with park visitors, local schools, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) groups and other stakeholders, the facility has been transformed into a modern, accessible, and inclusive play space that will serve the community for years to come.
This is another example of how Rotherham is forging ahead – investing in facilities that matter to local people and creating spaces where families can spend quality time together.
Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Rotherham Council, said: “We’re thrilled that the new and improved water splash area at Clifton Park is now open, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a free outdoor activity this summer.
“The redevelopment of the water splash area is about giving our children the vibrant, engaging, and accessible outdoor spaces they deserve. We know how much families love this facility, and we’ve listened - replacing outdated equipment and transforming the area into a modern, inclusive space that promotes play and wellbeing.
“This exciting upgrade is part of our wider investment in our borough’s future - from revitalised play areas and a new SEND hub to our baby packs project and everything at Forge Island. The water splash area is another step forward in our aim to make every neighbourhood in Rotherham a cleaner, greener, welcoming place for families to thrive.”