Call for popular Oxfordshire splash park to be opened longer

Councillor David Edwards-Hughes said numerous people have contacted him about The Leys Splash Park in Witney being opened earlier.

It is open daily from noon to 6pm.

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The Conservative politician said: “The facility is a brilliant asset to Witney, made possible because councillors a decade ago had the foresight to set aside dedicated funding year-on-year for these major upgrades.

“However, I have been contacted by numerous residents—particularly parents of toddlers and very young children—who want to see the splash park open earlier.

Splash Park in The Leys (Image: Witney Town Council)

“They want to enjoy the water before the midday heat becomes too intense for little ones.

“As a toddler dad myself, I completely understand and share those concerns.”

This comes as Oxfordshire experiences record temperatures with 32.9°C recorded at nearby Brize Norton on Monday, May 25.

Considering this, a spokesperson for Witney Town Council – which runs the facility – did not rule out extending the hours.

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They said: “Last year the town council made adjustments as the season went on based on water usage and demand and this kind of flexibility is likely to be the case again this year, subject to council approval.”

Mr Edwards-Hughes added: “We have this incredible, modern facility, and we need to ensure it works for everyone in our community.

“I have asked council officers to look into what can be done to expand the hours so that the splash park is safer, more accessible, and more convenient for a wider range of ages.”