Two of Cambridge’s outdoor splash pads have been temporarily closed as a hosepipe ban takes effect across parts of Cambridgeshire, while other city facilities continue to operate.
Water restrictions and the splash pads
Cambridge Water and Anglian Water introduced a hosepipe ban in early July in response to unusually high demand and ongoing dry conditions. The move came as parts of England were formally declared to be in drought on 29 July.
As a result, the Abbey Splash Pad and the King’s Hedges Splash Pad are not available to the public at present. The closures have prompted questions from residents about why some splash pads remain open while others are shut.
Why some pads remain open
A Cambridge Water spokesperson said the difference comes down to how individual splash pads manage their water supply. Most of the splash pads in the city use systems that treat and recirculate water, and those are continuing to operate.
“We have worked closely with Cambridge City Council since implementing the hosepipe restrictions. Most of the splash pads recycle water and these are still in use. There are a couple that do not recycle water and these will remain closed.”
Officials at Cambridge City Council and Better Leisure, which oversees the splash pads, emphasised that the decision to close the Abbey site was not taken lightly. They reiterated that the closure is intended to protect local water resources while pressures on supplies are high.
Operational differences and practical impact
The council said the Abbey splash pad operates on a single-use system where water drains away after use rather than being filtered and reused. By contrast, other sites and paddling pools in the city employ filtration and recirculation technology that makes them more water-efficient and therefore acceptable to remain open under the restrictions.
- Abbey Splash Pad: closed due to single-use water system
- King’s Hedges Splash Pad: closed — already undergoing refurbishment prior to the hosepipe ban
- Other splash pads and paddling pools: remain open because they recycle water
The council noted the Abbey splash pad’s popularity with families and said it will be reopened “at the earliest opportunity once pressures on water supplies have eased.”
Where residents can find alternatives
Officials encouraged residents to use the other open splash pads and paddling pools in Cambridge, which continue to provide opportunities for cooling off during the summer while using water more efficiently. They also urged the public to follow the hosepipe ban and other guidance from water companies to help reduce demand.
| Site | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Abbey Splash Pad | Closed | Does not recycle water (single-use) |
| King’s Hedges Splash Pad | Closed | Already closed for refurbishment |
| Other splash pads / paddling pools | Open | Use filtration and recirculation systems |
Residents seeking the latest information should check updates from Cambridge City Council, Better Leisure and the local water companies for any changes to operating hours or further restrictions while the drought designation and hosepipe ban remain in force.
