Feedback from parents and carers of users of the new waterplay on Clapham Common, conducted after its few months in operation, has been hugely positive. Nearly 80% of respondents awarded the facility the top two marks (out of five) for enjoyment.

The waterplay was praised for being “a wonderful use of the space that brought the community together and motivated children to play outdoors”, “thoughtfully designed”, and “the best thing to happen to Clapham Common in years”.

Naturally after its first season of use, there are areas for improvement. With over 440 comments from over 130 respondents, the survey conducted by Lambeth Council and CCMAC has identified the following works be undertaken over the winter:

• improve greening around the site to provide shade from the sun and privacy from traffic and passersby along The Pavement; 
• clearer signage indicating the rules of use of the waterplay; 
• replacing the toilet doors with ones easier to lock and open. 

The waterplay proved popular with local families with many making repeat visits: some 42% of respondents used the waterplay 2-3 times over the summer and 36% used it on 4-10 times occasions.

Some 58% live in Lambeth and just over 40% call Wandsworth their home. A small number of people travelled from Croydon, Richmond and Merton.

The waterplay features have already been removed and are in safekeeping over the winter. The low-emission generator has also gone. The plant room will be connected to the mains supply over the coming months.

Over 80% of respondents said they would definitely come back in 2024. The waterplay will reopen in spring 2024.