A grassroots campaign to reopen a much-loved paddling pool on an Isle of Wight seafront is gathering momentum.
Local resident Charlotte Pugmire has set up a petition calling for the reopening of Ryde’s Isaac Hayward Paddling Pool, a ‘well-loved space for children, families, and tourists alike’ which has fallen into disrepair.
In memory of Isaac Hayward
Designed for young children, the pool was opened in memory of Isaac Hayward, a boy with cerebral palsy who tragically died aged five in 2001.
It is currently owned by Isle of Wight council and was previously leased by the Waterside Community Trust.
Started on Monday, the petition has so far gathered 894 signatures.
It says,
“The Splash Park has long been a well-loved space for children, families, and tourists alike. It provides a safe, fun, and interactive place for children to play and learn, and it plays a key role in the health, happiness, and unity of our community.
“The park is currently in a state of disrepair and needs significant refurbishment. Without action, we risk losing a valuable community asset — not just a place to play, but a space that brings people together and supports children’s health and well-being.”
Nothing for younger children
Isaac’s sister, Tracey, said,
“What have we got for younger children? And children with disabilities?
“There is nothing.”
She added the park was close to her heart and “something for children to do”.
Carter: A crying shame that the community are losing a valuable asset
Fellow campaigner and former Ryde town councillor, Lisa-Maria Carter, said,
“Unfortunately (the park) has not been looked after in the way that it should have and it could be open to a degree right now if it was looked after properly.
“I understand that the waterworks underneath are defunct but there were other parts of this splash park that could have been kept going and I just think it’s a crying shame that the community are losing a valuable asset that the whole Island uses.
“Every year you see posts on Facebook – people up in arms – when is the splash park opening?
“With all the council taxes going up and not getting anything for your money back – something like this – the least you can do is keep it maintained and open.”
Jen Hughes, the newly-elected town councillor for Ryde South East, said she is “100 per cent” behind the community on the matter and will “continue to seek a resolution” that results in the park’s reopening.
Lilley: Local residents feel strongly about this issue
Councillor Michael Lilley, the Liberal Democrat County Hall representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, said,
“Local residents feel strongly about this issue and the access to water play for young children on the Esplanade in Ryde.
“I am continuing to raise this with Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight council.”
IWC: There are no confirmed plans for the site
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said, there are no confirmed plans for the site
“We recognise the deep emotional significance of the Isaac Hayward Paddling Pool, created in memory of a much-loved little boy whose legacy has brought joy to so many children and families in Ryde and beyond.
“We understand how important this space is — not only as a place for play and community gathering, but as a living tribute to Isaac’s life. The council is committed to listening with compassion and care to the voices of those who hold this space dear.
“At present, we want to be clear that there are no confirmed plans for the site. While some early conceptual ideas have been discussed, including alternative uses, nothing has been decided. We are very open to sitting down with Tracey and other interested members of the Ryde community to talk about the future of this area together.”
The spokesperson added it was the council’s “shared goal” to see the space “brought back into meaningful use for the benefit of local families”.
The petition can be found on the Change.org website.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
