Summer Splash Plans Drenched? Hilsea Splash Park Closed for Maintenance

Just when the sun’s out and the kids are bouncing off the walls… the water’s off.

In a less-than-ideal turn of events for local families, Hilsea Splash Park was closed this morning (July 30) due to what the city council has called “essential maintenance.” The closure came as a bit of a shock to parents, especially as many were already en route—or standing in front of locked gates—before the official announcement was made.

What Happened?

Both Hilsea and Southsea Splash Parks were temporarily shut today while Portsmouth City Council carried out maintenance work. The announcement dropped via social media around 11:30am, after the parks would normally have opened.

The council posted:

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We will share an update as soon as they re-open.”

Not long after, an update confirmed that Southsea Splash Park has since re-opened, but Hilsea remains closed until further notice.

Timing Trouble

Parents were quick to comment, with one unimpressed mum noting that the closure notice should have been posted before 11am, the usual opening time for Hilsea. Instead, she found herself carting kids to a dry splash pad and explaining why the water fun had been postponed. With the summer holidays in full swing, timing is everything and many families rely on the splash parks as a go-to free activity during the break.

Splash Park Rollercoaster

Both splash parks opened back in late May for the summer season, and were expected to remain open until September. The maintenance is likely a routine safety check—but as any parent will tell you, it doesn’t make the closed gates and disappointed faces any easier.

What’s Open Now?

• Southsea Splash Park – Open

• Hilsea Splash Park – Still closed (as of July 30)

  We’ll keep an eye on council updates and share more news as it comes in. In the meantime, it might be worth calling ahead, checking social media, or packing a Plan B (ice cream and South Parade Pier, anyone?) before heading out.