Summer is on its way as north Herts splash parks get ready to reopen - including Hitchin!

North Herts District Council (NHDC) is preparing for the reopening of its splash parks on Saturday, May 1.

Baldock's Avenue Park, Hitchin's Bancroft Recreation Ground, Royston's Priory Memorial Gardens and Letchworth's Howard Park will all see the rush of water and hear the sound of sprinkling fountains as each splash park springs back to life.

The splash parks will be open daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm until the end of the summer.

Whilst the opening of these water features herald the arrival of water themed fun to North Herts parks, they also reopen with a word of caution from the Council.

Those using the splash parks are urged to follow the current guidance from the government for a safe visit.

This includes:

Only groups of six or two households can meet

Continue to social distance from people not in your household or support bubble

Leave and return later if the park is busy

Do not visit if you have Covid symptoms

Use of the splash parks will be closely monitored and if they become too crowded and people are not following the rules, NHDC reserve the right to close the splash parks.

Letchworth's Howard Park paddling pool will initially not be filled and only the water jets will be operating.

This is a preventative measure to avoid overcrowding at the paddling pool during the coronavirus pandemic.

This could change later in the year, depending on how popular the site is with visitors.

Vaughan Watson, NHDC Service Director – Place said, "It's great that we are able to reopen the splash parks over the first May bank holiday weekend this year.

"We're pleased to be able to welcome people to the splash parks but urge visitors to ensure they follow government guidelines and make sure they social distance from others not in their group, to protect themselves and other visitors during the current pandemic."