A CAMPAIGN has begun to provide a water-fuelled facility to the former site of the Cold Knap Lido in Barry.

Dad-of-two, Paul Haley was inspired to think about bringing a splash park to the area after he and his wife, Sharon, filled a bath in a shaded area to keep their young sons cool in the recent hot weather.

The lido opened in 1926 and closed in 1996.

Mr Haley, of The Knap, said the roads to and from the Island were jammed and the family purposely want to avoid using the car to add to the congestion.

Mr Haley said: “I thought how great it would be to walk to a splash park at The Knap.

“Generations used to do this so why shouldn't we aspire to put something in place for today’s and future generations?

“The Knap lido holds a special place in the hearts of Barrians of a certain age.

“It is long gone, leaving a grassed area with no name and no purpose.

“This is not about bringing back the lido.

“It would give real purpose to the site, as well as a nod to the past, if a splash park was created at The Knap.

“Imagine if the splash park had an eco theme to inspire and educate youngsters about the coastal ecology on their doorstep,” he said. “Imagine if it could have an element of solar and wind energy to drive it.

“If we can imagine and dream, we can create a vision, engage with stakeholders, design a very fitting and sympathetic scheme, and deliver.

“This could be part of urban regeneration to re-purpose the area.”

He added: “With temperatures rising, immersive fountains are safe and versatile, as local authorities are looking for new ways to keep people cool.

“Barry already has one splash park at Pencoedtre playing fields (Gibbonsdown), which cost £200,000 several years ago, and was funded by the Barry Regeneration Board of which I was a member.

“Wales largest town by population, which is a linear coastal strip, is big enough for several splash parks.

Aberavon has a very well used splash park which is such a great success, they are reinvesting with an even better one for £350,000

“There is a great opportunity to contact other local authorities to learn from their experiences.”

Mr Haley’s Facebook page has had 20,000 views in the first week and it has acquired more than 930 followers.

He said it had captured the imagination of people.

“Now that we have a good following, we will begin conversations with various stakeholders,” he said.

“We will then hold a public meeting to outline the vision, costs, and level of support from potential stakeholders.

“Then establish next steps and create a team of people to lead us.”

Visit KnapSplashPark on Facebook.