East Park's Splash Boat returns after £35k renovation
IT HAS thrilled generations of kids for more than eight decades.
Now, East Park's much-loved Splash Boat is back after a two-year absence.
The 83-year-old attraction has undergone a £35,000 renovation, with parts having to be sourced from China.
It reopened on Saturday in time for the four-day bank holiday.
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Darren Emms, of east Hull, was on the first ride with daughter Natasha, 6.
He said: "It was really good and I got a bit wet. I used to go when I was younger and it's as enjoyable as I remember."
Natasha said: "I really enjoyed it and the splash was bigger than I thought it was going to be."
Hull City Council leader Councillor Steve Brady opened the ride and was also among the first to take a ride.
He said: "It's a case of all systems go now.
"This renovation is part of our plans to turn the park back to how it used to be.
"I used to go on the ride when I was younger, it was a regular haunt. Really, it was the only entertainment for us in those days.
"The park used to be heaving and now we are getting back to that."
The council's chair of the park area committee Councillor Sheila Waudby said she is delighted to see it open.
She said: "We were a bit frustrated over how long it has taken to open as it's a big attraction in the park.
"But I am really pleased to see it back in time for the summer holidays."
Adam McArthur, assistant head of service for the council's street scene, explained why it has taken two years to renovate the attraction.
He said: "The winch has been renovated and a new walkway had been put in place.
"It is a listed building, so we had to be careful. Everything had to be approved.
"Due to the age of it, we had to source the materials from a company in China.
"This is a popular attraction and important to the economic future of the park."
Comments
by Eastside2010
Friday, June 08 2012, 12:46PM
“East Park is a fantastic place and going back there is always great, having spent much of my childhood in the park. Credit should be given to HCC for the redevelopment and condition of the park. I look forward to spending more happy times in East Park with my daughter.”
by cmbuild
Friday, June 08 2012, 8:39AM
“Chinese parts? Has someone checked they're not fake?”
by Kipper321
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 4:28PM
“Where was it Tuesday afternoon !! what time does it close”
by Eeebahgum
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 1:43PM
“Is it still 2p a splash?”
by waynecarr
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 7:27AM
“would love to give it another go,,, but i'm back at work.”
by pcrowan
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 11:18PM
“@waynecarr sorry to hear your news give it another go though because I don't think the mechanism can be that complicated compared to the rides at hull fair and the like!”
by waynecarr
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 7:36PM
“what a joke, went with the bairns today (Tuesday) Guess what?
the Splash Boat wasn't working technical problems (electrics). I could have cried,,, the youngest was.”
by pcrowan
Monday, June 04 2012, 5:57PM
“@Strangley..ha ha thanks for info in respect of confirming it was fireball xl5 and I suppose your right in respect of copyright. I can't remember how much it cost when i was young but prob the same 4d.Amazing how such a simple ride can give so much fun and pleasure even in this sophisticated high tech world we now live in.
P.S. I hasten to add I didn't have a go on it...lol,not so brave in my latter years!!!”
by dannyishere
Monday, June 04 2012, 5:40PM
“It was nice to see the historical splashboat back into action the thing has been at a standstill for 2 years. It's nice to see the council have spent the money on something that actually needed to be done instead of wasting the money on something that isn't needed. Went on the splashboat twice today and must say it was actually nice to go down and see CLEAN water at the bottom of the chute. As I rightly heard the man at the bottom of the ride giving the tickets and collecting the money to get on the ride. "The back row of seats had to be removed due to health and safety tests, It also helps the boat run down the track alot smoother as it is not dragging the water all the way back up". I enjoy the splashboat but it does not always seem to be in operation unfortunately I just hope it lasts a while this time.”
by Strangley
Monday, June 04 2012, 1:41PM
“@pcrowan
80p! The last time I went on it it was about 4d.
Yes it was Fireball XL5 for a while, but I doubt if you would get away with such blatant copyright theft these days.”