Batchworth Community Council are committed to supporting residents with the Aquadrome closure. We have written to Three Rivers District Council on your behalf on 3rd September 2025 to request an update on the closure of the path and the play park.
See our letter below:
Dear Ms Wagstaffe,
Re: Aquadrome – Prolonged Closure of Play Park and Footpath, Lack of Maintenance and Communication
I am writing on behalf of Batchworth Community Council regarding the ongoing issues at the Aquadrome, which have now reached a point of significant concern to both our Council and local residents.
Two major parts of the Aquadrome remain inaccessible:
1. The Play Park
This was originally due to reopen in early spring 2025, following the construction of the new bridge. When the bridge was completed at the end of May, and the bridge naming ceremony set, an update was issued to the public saying that the play park would remain closed due to the discovery of knotweed.
As a result, children were unable to use the play park during the May half-term holiday, and despite repeated enquiries from our councillors since May, we continue to receive the same response: that TRDC is “in liaison with the contractors.”
In the meantime, the play park has been left to become completely overgrown, creating an unsightly and neglected appearance in the heart of our town. This apparent lack of maintenance not only gives the impression of poor management but also raises concerns that the unchecked growth is exacerbating the knotweed issue.
2. The Closed Footpath
The footpath, which was originally closed due to flooding and instability, remains shut despite this summer being one of the hottest on record. Residents cannot understand why this access has not been restored when the original reason for closure appears no longer applicable.
The community has been inundated with emails, social media messages, and direct complaints asking why these areas have been left in this condition for so long. Our residents, particularly those in Rickmansworth, Moor Park, and Eastbury, contribute additional special expenses for the upkeep of the park, and they rightly expect transparency and a high standard of maintenance. The current situation risks eroding public confidence and bringing TRDC into dispute with local taxpayers.
We are therefore formally requesting the following:
- A clear and confirmed timetable for the reopening of the play park and the restoration of the footpath.
- An explanation as to why the play park has been left in such poor condition and what measures are being taken to control the spread of knotweed.
- Details of any interim solutions or facilities TRDC intends to provide for families and children while the play park remains closed.
- A commitment to improved communication and transparency with local councils and residents going forward.
We ask that you provide a full written response to these points by Friday, 20 September 2025. If this is not possible, please confirm an alternative date by which we will receive a full update.
This matter is of great importance to our community, and we look forward to your urgent attention to resolving these issues.
See Three Rivers District Council's response to our letter below:
Dear Cllr Fraser
I apologise for the delay in responding to your email which was passed to me for response by the Chief Executive, this was entirely my oversight
With regard to the issues you have raised:
- You will recall from the update that I provided to the recent Rickmansworth Area Forum, which I appreciate was after your email below was sent, that council officers are working closely with our contractors to agree a remediation plan for the Japanese Knotweed at the Ebury Play area. It is incredibly disappointing, just as much for officers who have and continue to work incredibly hard on this project as it is for the public, that we have not as yet been able to reopen the park. As soon as a confirmed timetable is available for that remediation work and the reopening it will be shared.
- With regards to the woodland path, as you are aware the council has been awaiting the EA Upper Colne Flood model ( which has now been received) in order to complete the hydrological study of the Aquadrome ( which is now expected to be complete by the end of this year). This work is needed in order to inform design and material considerations for a long-term replacement pathway – which are programmed to be developed in early 2026 with physical works being subject to consultation, permits etc. As such I am unable to provide a confirmed timetable for the completion of these works at this time. As soon as a confirmed timetable is available it will be shared. Whilst we understand that the closure of the pathway is disappointing for visitors to the site, public safety must be our top priority. The path is not a public right of way and many alternative pathways and walking routes remain open within the Aquadrome for everyone to use and enjoy.
- There are no plans for alternative play facilities above and beyond the various facilities and play provision that is already provided across the district. There was a wide range of activities which took place across the summer and a range of activities happening during the October half term details of which can be found on the council website :
The council has always been and continues to be committed to open communication and transparency with local councils and residents
I appreciate that the above may not have provided the level of detail or information that you would like but it is all the information that I am able to provide at this time. As soon as there is any further updated information it will be shared.
A detailed update of the work that officers have undertaken in relation to the Aquadrome can be found in the Committee papers for the forthcoming Climate change and Leisure Committee which you may find of interest in relation to this matter. The report can be found at Agenda for Climate Change and Leisure Committee on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, 7.30 pm - Modern Council
Kind regards
Emma
Emma Sheridan
Associate Director for Environment
Three Rivers District Council
After many months, representing our residents at council, BCC has received an update from Three Rivers District Council regarding the woodland Path within the Aquadrome. They are expecting the outline design work of a new woodland path at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome by March 2026. Following this, there will be a programme of engagement with key stakeholders and the public. Further details, including how high and where boardwalks might be needed, will form part of the more detailed plans. Further information can be found on the TRDC website here: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/woodland-pathway. BCC Councillors will continue to work hard to push for further updates from TRDC to ensure that the Aquadrome playground and path is open for residents.