The gates to Ryde Splash Park have already been locked for a year and now, after 11 years as the leaseholder, the Waterside Community Trust (WCT) has confirmed it is walking away from the play area altogether.
General manager, Todd Miller, said WCT had gone above and beyond, investing considerable time and money into the site, but is now handing back the reins to the Isle of Wight council.
Needs substantial investment
Though proud to have kept the children’s water-themed play area, next to Ryde Canoe Lake, open since 2011, WCT said it now needs substantial investment to ensure it is safe and functioning.
In previous years, Ryde Town Council (RTC) has given WCT £10,000 to help with running costs, but the money was not requested in 2021/22.
Former Ryde town councillor, Lisa Carter, previously said RTC was looking to take over.
RTC an interested party
Allan Bridges, RTC’s business and development manager, said the council remains an outside, yet interested party, keen to hear of any plans to renovate the play area.
Mr Bridges says there were numerous projects RTC would like to see significant movement on, with the splash park being one of them.
As owner, it is up to the Isle of Wight council to decide what happens now.
Concerns about upkeep of the canoe lake
Concern has also been raised about the state of the IW Council-owned Canoe Lake and Ryde seafront.
Pedalo swans cannot be hired out, due to the build-up of sediment and the pathway is no longer being cleaned.
Miller: Has needed substantial investment for years
Mr Miller said,
“The seafront needs substantial investment and has done for years.
“RTC is doing a great job of improving the seafront and what it offers in the summer, but we are still a long way to catching up with other coastal locations across the south.”
The Isle of Wight Council confirmed the lease was surrendered but had no further update to give.
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
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