Paddling Pool

The paddling pool was built in the position originally occupied by the bandstand. Aerial photographs indicate that the bandstand was still present in 1955 but had been removed by 1967. The paddling pool can be seen in aerial photographs for 1984 and 1991.The Amenity and Leisure Services Committee decided in August 1972 that a paddling pool be constructed at an estimated cost of £7,550.[1] In December 1974 the Leisure Services Committee accepted a tender from Johnston Hire Limited for £9,378 and the work was expected to take 12 weeks.[2]

During the 1990s it was emptied every year and repainted with a sand-textured blue paint. It is believed to have been operational until approximately 2006/2007.[3] The 2010 aerial photograph shows it to be empty. Beside the paddling pool to the north east was a hut which housed equipment associated with pumping and filtering operations. This is best seen in the 1991 aerial photograph. The pool, at least in later times, was supervised by a life guard.

Paddling Pool

Cleaning out the paddling pool in autumn (c.2005) ©RG

In 2018 the site converted into an outdoor entertainments area. It was completed by May 2018.

Entertainment area (May 2018)

Entertainment area (May 2018)

Sources of Information

  1. Newport County Borough Council Amenity and Leisure Services Committee 31st August 1972
  2. Newport Borough Council Leisure Services Committee 6th December 1974 & 12th December 1974
  3. Personal communication (RG)