Give Ruskin Park's paddling pool a future

Ruskin Park’s much-loved paddling pool needs a big refurbishment by spring 2022.

We've now met our fundraising target of £15,000 from donations with the remainder of the refurbishment costs coming from Lambeth Council, previous fundraising, grant applications and a generous £10,000 donation from Urban Village.

Any additional funds raised will be used to maintain or improve the paddling pool or other play facilities in line with the Friends of Ruskin Park's charitable objectives.

Why are we doing this?

When Lambeth Council made the difficult decision to close the pool in 2015 due to lack of funds, there was a huge outcry from the local residents and businesses. Determined to keep the pool well maintained and safe to use, a community partnership was quickly developed and crowdfunders raised over £15,000.

The following four years were a great success, with volunteers running the pool in partnership with Lambeth Council and with generous support from Urban Village estate agents.

The result of the refurbishment should be a pool which is clean, fun and can be operated safely for years to come.

What needs to be done?

The works will be carried out by an experienced contractor who has undertaken similar projects in other parks.

• More water jets. The number of water outlets to the pool will increase from two to ten, improving water circulation and making it easier to keep clean.
• New plant room and equipment. New pumps, filtration and automatic chlorine dosing equipment will be housed in a new above-ground enclosure. They’re currently in “the pit” which is difficult for volunteers to access and prone to flooding.
• Repairs to the pool surface. The contractors will repair damaged expansion joints, completely sand down the pool surface and apply new anti-slip paint.
• A dedicated mains water. Rather than sharing a supply with the café and toilets, we will have our own Thames Water connection. This will make the pool quicker to fill and work more efficiently.