River Park Project Play Park Floods

Monday, 10 November 2025 13:59

The brand new children's play park in the River Park Project on Ashley Road is currently inaccessible due to flooding.

The park, which was only opened in August, is very popular, with it being extremely busy since its opening. It is partially underwater, with a couple of inches of water on the pathway and hard-standing areas at the only open entrance to the park.

The park has been installed as part of the River Park Project, which is transforming central Salisbury to reduce flood risk, enhance biodiversity, and improve community amenity. The Salisbury River Park project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, and is constructed by Kier.

A local resident passing the park said, "I can't remember the old play park flooding. I thought this scheme was meant to stop flooding, but the park being flooded doesn't fill me with confidence for when the project is completed."

The play park was designed by Green Play Project and visitors can discover engravings of artwork by Sarum St. Paul's schoolchildren on the equipment; view the vibrant colour palette, created by artist Zac Newham in collaboration with students from South Wilts Grammar School, that reflects the colours within the river itself; and spend time in the central climbing structure, which is filled with educational information and activities reflecting the local ecology.

Despite the apparent planning, the park is currently inaccessible to any users.

Work continues on the River Park Project, with much of the effort focused on correcting issues with paths, fencing, and barriers, as well as other problems, resulting in work that has run over by several months.

Andy Wallis, Salisbury River Park Project Lead for the Environment Agency, said, "We are aware of this issue. There is a small part of the play area which is currently slightly flooded due to the heavy rain we have had.

"This will be resolved by some changes that have been proposed to the ground and footpath areas in this location, which will be implemented over the next few weeks. This will allow this water to drain from this area."

Wiltshire Council and Kier, who are working on the project, have been contacted for comment.