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Pool will be open for summer, says council

Richard Maddenin Hull
Richard Madden/BBC A metal fence surrounds a construction area in a park. A mound of earth is visible alongside a large skip filled with waste. Leafy trees, grass, and a paved path surround the area. There is also a clear blue sky.Richard Madden/BBC
Work to refurbish the paddling pool at Pickering Park, Hull, started in September 2025

A paddling pool will reopen in time for the school summer holidays after undergoing a six-figure refurbishment, Hull City Council said.

The water play area at Pickering Park has been closed since 2023.

Officials said the project, costing £549,507, "remains on schedule" despite suffering a slight delay due to the availability of contractors.

"The scheduled opening date of the summer holidays 2026 remains unaffected," a council spokesperson added.

Richard Madden/BBC A mound of soil and rubble stands in the centre of a muddy clearing. It is surrounded by metal safety fencing with trees, park benches, and a paved path visible in the background.Richard Madden/BBC
The water play area was closed in 2023 due to health and safety concerns

The site remains fenced off, with large areas covered in mud and still undergoing work.

A council spokesperson said: "Residents will start to see the site change in the coming weeks as the rubber crumb is laid in final preparation for the completion of work."

The pool was temporarily closed amid health and safety concerns and a consultation was launched into the future of the site.

A contract for a refurbishment project was awarded in 2025, with the hope of reopening the same year, but the council later admitted it had been delayed.

Richard Madden/BBC A concrete paddling pool area behind a temporary metal fence. Trees, barriers and a large grassed area are also visible.Richard Madden/BBC
Hull City Council says the project remains on track
Hull City Council An artist impression of a water play area from an aerial perspective. A large blue, purple and yellow pool shows people standing in the water. The area is framed by green grass, a grey pavement and large green trees.Hull City Council
When completed, the Pickering Park pool will feature water jets, a new plant room and upgraded filter systems

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