Clifton Park's splashtastic waterplay area

Planning a trip to Clifton Park in Rotherham to visit the waterplay area this summer? Here's all you need to know about one of the largest free-to-use water play attractions of its kind in the UK.

Opened in 2025 following a £900k revamp, the 1,500 square metre play area in the popular park includes a paddling pool and two splash pads designed for discovery and high-energy play.

Originally created in 2008 as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project, the water splash park has been a firm favourite among children and families for the last 15 years. However, because of its popularity, wear and tear started to have an impact.

Rotherham Council brought in experts at Ustigate Waterplay and Vortex International who came up with the designs following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including schools, park visitors and SEND groups, setting out to create a welcoming environment that reflects how today’s communities use outdoor spaces: accessible, engaging and suitable for all ages.

The inclusion of a paddling pool provides a subtle nod to the park’s historic waterplay heritage, which dates back to earlier recreational uses of the site, and the zoning approach ensures a natural progression through play, from gentle, low-level interaction to more dynamic and social water features.

The first splash pad has been designed as an inclusive discovery space, where younger children and those new to water play can explore at their own pace. Ground sprays, misting effects and interactive elements such as Twirltec™ create a hands-on, sensory experience that builds confidence and encourages curiosity. Additional features include spinning orbs, directional jets and interactive water elements that allow children to control and influence the flow of water, supporting both physical and cognitive play development.

In contrast, the second splash pad provides a high-energy focal point within the park. Featuring larger-scale equipment, including a prominent tipping bucket, this area invites shared play and delivers moments of excitement that bring people together.

With a maximum capacity of 600 people, entry is free during normal operating hours but every person — including spectators — must have a wristband to enter the Watersplash area. Wristbands are available from 10:30am on the day at the Watersplash kiosk and can be collected for any session that day.

Three sessions per day are scheduled - 11:00am – 12:30pm, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, and 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

Wristbands were introduced due to busy periods and demand last year. There is currently no online booking system.

The watersplash area is also available for private hire for parties, schools or groups.

The revitalised facility sits within one of Rotherham’s most significant public parks, which has retained its Green Flag status for over 15 consecutive years and holds Green Heritage recognition for its Victorian history, further reinforcing the importance of sensitive, high-quality improvements within this historic setting.

The facility strengthens Clifton Park’s position as a regional leisure destination. The result is a dynamic and inclusive water play environment that has quickly become a major destination for families, with capacity for hundreds of visitors and free access helping to ensure it remains accessible to all. The new facility offers families a place to connect, play and enjoy the outdoors, reinforcing the park’s role at the heart of the local community.

Clifton Park website

Images: Unigate