02 Jun 2026
A grassroots campaign has been launched calling for the council-run splash park in Verulamium Park to open earlier than planned.
Despite the hottest May half term on record, many residents were disappointed to see that the splash park remained closed, with its opening hours restricted to the school summer holidays.
As part of service cuts introduced to balance the council’s budget in 2024, the splash park’s operating time was reduced to just eight weeks – six during the school summer holidays, and another week either side – down from the previous 22 weeks a year.
In response to parental demand for increased opening times, local residents Livvy Gibbs and Sally Leonard, members of St Albans Green Party, launched a petition that is quickly gaining traction.
Sally said: “As a local parent with young children, it is a real shame that in this hot weather, we were unable to make use of a public facility to help keep our kids cool. The splash park is a great facility – when it is open.”
With the park scheduled to remain closed until Julu 8, Livvy and Sally highlighted how nearby councils of towns such as Hitchin, Watford, Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead have managed to find the funds to open their parks since early May.
They pointed out that Everyone Active operates the splash park on behalf of St Albans City & District Council, and the company recently reported profits of £9 million, up by around 50 per cent.
They argue that opening the splash park sooner would be a small investment that could make a big difference to local children and families.
Livvy added: “The response to this petition suggests this issue has really struck a nerve with local residents. People are not asking for a new facility or a major investment. They are simply asking for an existing public asset to be available when families need it most.
“At a time when many households are feeling the pressure of rising costs, families should not have to travel to neighbouring towns to access facilities that already exist here in St Albans.
“Verulamium Park is one of the city’s most popular destinations, and keeping attractions like the splash park closed means missed opportunities for local families, local businesses and the wider community.
“We hope Everyone Active and the council will listen to residents and review the decision.”
The petition, which was launched today (Tuesday) has already received more than 600 signatures in its first few hours.
To sign the petition (which is hosted by St Albans Green Party) visit the link: https://cadrify.org/st-albans-green-party/petition/open-st-albans-splash-park
A post on Verulamium Splash Park Facebook page last week stated: “Despite the current heat wave, we just can’t turn the splash park on before then. Prior to opening on [July 6], there is a significant amount of maintenance and testing that must be completed to ensure everything is safe and ready for use. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
