![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1_splash-pad.jpg\")
(Image: Thornbury Town Council)<\/p>\nThe beloved splash pad has been replaced by a picnic area(Image: Thornbury Town Council)<\/p>\n
A local council says it shares residents’ disappointment after a beloved splash pad in Thornbury was replaced with a temporary picnic area earlier this year.<\/p>\n
The splash pad at Mundy Playing Fields in Thornbury<\/a> was said to no longer be safe.<\/p>\n In a statement released on Friday, June 20, Thornbury Town Council <\/a>stood by its decision to close the splash pad: “Thornbury Town Council acknowledges and shares the disappointment felt by many residents over the closure of the splash pad.<\/p>\n “We know how much this space has meant to local families over the years, and the decision not to reopen it was not taken lightly.<\/p>\n “Unfortunately, the condition of the existing facility reached a point where it can no longer be operated safely, despite regular maintenance. Safety must always come first.”<\/p>\n The statement continued: “The town council is committed to delivering a new and improved water play facility as a priority.<\/p>\n “Plans are progressing, shaped by feedback from the community. In the meantime, we\u2019ve introduced a temporary picnic area to ensure the space remains usable and welcoming for families.<\/p>\n “The materials and equipment purchased for the picnic area will be repurposed once a new water play facility is up and running.<\/p>\n “We thank everyone for their continued patience and input as we work to create a facility that future generations can enjoy for years to come.”<\/p>\n Many residents were shocked and angry about the closure of the splash pad.<\/p>\n One local person complained: “The least they could have done is construct some kind of roof to the area, to provide shading”.<\/p>\n A representative of the council has said: “The Council explored temporary shade and shelter systems, but the options that met safety requirements either carried significant costs, or were subject to a long lead time.”<\/p>\n Others argued that the splash pad brought business <\/a>to the growing town: “A new splash pad would be so good with all the families moving into Thornbury. In the summer we would use it a lot and now I have to look further afield for something.<\/p>\n “Plus bringing people to Mundys means you may spend money on the high street for a quick drink [or] ice cream as well [sic].”<\/p>\n