The Petersfield Open Air Paddling Pool has now been closed for two seasons after it was condemned due to failure to meet new regulations, with great disappointment to us and to our local community as this paddling pool had given years of pleasure to young families. After much consideration and research, surveys and support of our customers the decision has been made to re-instate this much wanted and needed facility. The necessary quotations from more than several companies specialising in this industry have been undertaken and following all commercial regulations we are now taking action to raise as much funds as we can to achieve this goal. We will be fundraising, applying for grants and donations alike.

A paddling pool is a wonderful and necessary way for the very young to engage in water, splashing and experiencing water in very shallow depths and and in a safe confinement with parents around them. Water play is a great confidence builder for children and a great activity as our very young need to be active for a good 3 hours a day. Splashing around in the water helps with co-ordination and activity and movement in the water will be slower and a more deliberate way than out of the water. Splashing, jumping, floating paddling are just the best ways to build their water confidence. At the Open Air Pool we strongly believe and see for ourselves the benefits that our paddling pool has brought to the young and their parents, playing interactively in water and we are able to provide a very quiet area around the paddling pool for young families. Our aim is they slowly progress into our larger pool where we offer lessons and this in turn helps to encourage children to think healthier and hopefully with excersise will help reduce some health issues that some children face including diabetes. It goes without saying swimming is a life skill every child should be able to do.

Up until our paddling pool was condemned due to not falling into the regulations, the water was fed from the main pool. There was no filtration or heating in place which made it fall outside the regulations and also made it difficult for little ones to spend too much time in unless it was an extremely warm day. We now have quotes for refurbishment to include a new filtration system including self dosing system and a heating system. The cost to provide this paddling/training pool comes at a cost of £70,000.

It is proposed to go a little deeper so that we would be able to then offer swimming lessons to 18months to 4 year olds, who are not quite able to start in the big pool due to the depth and ability. We will also be able to offer swim parties to the younger ones as the larger pool is to deep for this type of occasion. This approach would help to bring a revenue to the pool and towards the running costs. The pool will be slightly larger too which enables training depth and the paddling pool depth split.

THE HISTORY

The paddling pool was built approximately 24 years ago - this was undertaken to encourage the very young to enjoy water in a safer and quieter area than the 25 meter pool which can be busy and a little scary for them which can then be very offputting at such a young age and can allow fear of water to the child. We are committed to encouraging our local community to utilise the pool in a way to help children experience water safely and grow in their confidence to become competant swimmers. A life skill and hopefully generations to come who will continue to love and support this wonderful facility.

We are committed to this project and understand the importance of swimming, a life skill. Over 400 people sadly lose their lives to drowning and thousands more suffer the affects of near drowning experiences - Lets hope that we can do our part by providing this facility aimed at the very young for water confidence, family fun and early training providing a most basic but most important skill to our young.