The project was funded by Watford Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

Following a refurbishment in 2017 three paddling pools became two pools for paddling and a zero depth splashpad consisting of thirty water jets and fountains with push buttons to allow users to activate the flow. The greatest benefit of a splashpad concept is the inclusivity that it provides. It is plentiful aquatic play without any standing water, a safe environment where every age and every ability can come together, be interactive and enjoy group play. The pool and pad concept has been greeted with much enthusiasm – Whilst visitors are thrilled with their ultra-modern facility that provides more play value, Watford Borough Council are happy to be providing more play value with a lot less water! A reduced water usage was made possible by reducing the depth of water in the pools as well as introducing a splashpad that uses less water than a pool. Ustigate Waterplay also designed and built a PWTAG compliant recirculation system to ensure families have quality water to play in.

To further impact on the importance of being environmentally-friendly, the eco-hub was constructed out of natural materials and included a solar roof system, air source heat pumps and a green roof. The eco-hub accommodates changing rooms, a communal exhibition room and Daisy’s in the Park café.

Cutting the ribbon to unveil a commemorative plaque, Mayor Dorothy Thornhill urged park users to enjoy a public green space which had once been the “front garden of the high and mighty” referring to the former owners the Earls of Essex. Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said “I am genuinely passionate about a place where memories are built. It’s about building resilient communities that can come together and play together.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Cassiobury Park is an incredibly important open space for people in Watford and thanks to National Lottery players its regeneration will ensure it continues to be at the heart of the community. We’re delighted to celebrate the opening of the paddling pools and community hub, which will be a fantastic boost for wellbeing and play, a space for families and friends to meet and a gateway to the park’s fascinating heritage.”

Cassiobury Park attracts over £2 million visitors every year, and was voted one of the top 10 favourite parks in the UK in 2017.

Our revitalised Cassiobury Park is featured on the Day out with the Kids website

In 2018 LUC received a Landscape Institute award for the refurbishment of Cassiobury Park

The Cassiobury Park pools and splashpad are now operated by Everyone Active.