Harlow Council has five free to use outdoor paddling pools and one splash park, which are open during the school summer holidays only. Their locations are:

  • Bush Fair paddling pool – By the Tye Green Bowls Club off Tilwicks Road (CM18 6LU)
  • Harlow Town Park paddling pool – Behind the Leah Manning Centre, off Park Lane.
  • Norman Booth paddling pool – By the Norman Booth Recreation Centre, Old Harlow (CM17 0EF)
  • Potter Street Splash Park – Off Southern Way (CM17 9EJ)
  • Staple Tye paddling pool – By the Great Parndon Community Association off Abercrombie Way (CM18 6YJ)
  • Sumners paddling pool – By the Sumners Recreation Centre off Broadley Road (CM19 5SJ)

Paddling pools and splash park guidance

Please note when using the paddling pools and splash park:

  • there are no lifeguards
  • children under eight must be accompanied by an adult
  • there are no toilets on site at the paddling pools and splash park
  • do not take bikes, dogs or glass into the pool area
  • use the bins provided or take your litter home
  • while open staff are on duty to maintain the area, clean and monitor the water quality and report problems
  • staff have access to a small supply of plasters and antiseptic wipes only, which if needed can be given to the parent of the child to administer
  • staff are trained in how to deal with an emergency situation but this does not include administering first aid
  • staff may not always be available due to other commitments and pools may be drained at any time for health and safety reasons

Once open paddling pools will be inspected each morning and if faults are found the pool may be closed. Pools could also be closed at any time and at short notice during the day if a fault is later found or due to weather conditions. Any closures will be listed as soon as possible below: