Popular Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to Relocate Due to Water Quality Concerns
A well-loved aqua park in Cardiff Bay is facing relocation this summer due to water quality issues, as reported by Wales Online. The Aqua Park Group, known for its inflatable slides, climbing frames, and assault course, attracted thousands of visitors to Cardiff Bay when it launched in 2019. However, the park had to close during the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It managed to reopen in 2023 and operated through the 2024 season.
A recent post on Aqua Park Cardiff’s Facebook page indicated plans to reopen in June 2025. However, the park will not be returning to Cardiff Bay this summer. Instead, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced plans to enter into a licence agreement with Aqua Park to run a trial from May to September 2025 at Cosmeston Lake in Penarth. This move provides an opportunity for the council to generate income that can be used to enhance park facilities at Cosmeston.
The council’s director of place, Marcus Goldsworthy, highlighted that the decision to close the aqua park in Cardiff Bay stemmed from water quality issues that impacted the park’s operations. He explained that heavy rainfall led to poor water quality, making it financially unviable for the operator to continue functioning in Cardiff Bay. The relocation to Cosmeston Lake is seen as a temporary solution, with a full evaluation planned at the end of the trial period.
The move to Cosmeston Lake has sparked discussions about wildlife protection and water quality monitoring. Council members raised concerns about the potential impact on the park’s ecosystem. Mr. Goldsworthy assured councillors that measures would be in place to safeguard wildlife, with strict conditions attached to the licence to minimize ecological disruption. He also noted that water quality at Cosmeston Lake is regularly tested to ensure it meets safety standards.
The decision to relocate the aqua park to Cosmeston Lake has generated mixed reactions, with some highlighting the need for additional income generation for park improvements, while others express concerns about potential environmental consequences. The trial run at the new location will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of operating the attraction at Cosmeston Lake in the long term.
In conclusion, the relocation of the popular Aqua Park from Cardiff Bay to Cosmeston Lake marks a significant change for both locals and visitors. While the move is driven by water quality challenges, it presents an opportunity for the Vale of Glamorgan Council to enhance park facilities and explore new recreational offerings. The upcoming trial period will shed light on the viability of operating the aqua park at its new location, with a focus on balancing entertainment with environmental conservation.
Overall, the Aqua Park’s relocation underscores the importance of ensuring water quality and sustainability in recreational activities, setting a precedent for responsible tourism practices in Cardiff’s outdoor attractions.