Rotherham water park faces technical issues, frustrating parents

Parents and other social media users expressed their frustration online on Sunday after the Rotherham Parks account announced the water splash park would be open, but may have to close at short notice.

This was the fourth post in a month warning of closures or “technical issues”.

Although the park was open on Tuesday, it was operating with “reduced features” and it was closed again yesterday.

In a move to ward off any online abuse, the Facebook page announcing it was open on Tuesday had comments blocked, with a post adding: “Due to the nature of the comments we have been receiving on our watersplash posts, comments will be switched off.

“Please be assured that staff are working very hard to provide a full service and we understand your feelings regarding the issues we are facing.”

The Editor's pick of the news

Two boys robbed at beauty spot by three teens armed with weapons

Wide disparity in Rotherham's housing market: expensive homes in Wickersley contrasted with cheaper areas

Tony Stewart on offers to buy Rotherham United and how long he intends to stay at the helm

HISTORY FEATURE: Free education comes to Maltby ...177 years before government introduced it

On Sunday, the Parks account said the water splash would be running but “we may still need to reduce the features or close the service at short notice”, adding: “We understand that people are disappointed that we have issues with the running of the waterplay.

“Please be assured we are working extremely hard to get it up and running completely.”

Several users had complained before the comments were turned off.

Rotherham water park faces technical issues, frustrating parents

One, Sandra Johnson, said: “What a joke! There’s always something wrong with it. Needs replacing with something the kiddies can enjoy, not be disappointed because it’s not working again.”

Another, Gemma Cox, wrote: “We came especially for the water today.

“Not good when you keep advertising water is on weekends and school holidays.”

RMBC’s assistant director for culture, sport and tourism, Polly Hamilton, said: “Our free water play is really popular, and we apologise to families for the technical problems that have arisen.

“We’re working hard to fix these issues which have included the replacement of faulty electrical and control equipment.

“We really appreciate everyone's patience whilst these essential works are completed.”