AS the heatwave continues and schools break up for six weeks, new facilities are being launched on by Gheluvelt Park’s popular Splashpad, in Worcester.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Jabba Riaz, will cut the ribbon on Thursday 26 July

at 2.30pm to celebrate the opening.

Cllr Jabba Riaz said: “I’d like to thank the Friends of Gheluvelt Park, who were the original driving force behind this project.

“The new Pavilion we’re unveiling has been guided by their vision, in partnership with the City Council, the Sons of Rest, the Worcester Regiment and the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust. I hope generations to come will enjoy and make the most of these fantastic new park facilities.”

Worcester City Council has invested £325,000 to create a new Sons of Rest pavilion, replacing the old building which had reached the end of its natural life.

The new Pavilion has a bookable community room with an adjoining kitchen; five individual unisex toilets, including a disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities.

The Worcestershire Duckworth Trust is operating the new Pavilion’s kiosk, which will sell ice creams, teas, coffees, cold drinks including milk shakes, plus hot and cold snacks including sandwiches, crisps and cakes. It has a no single-use plastics policy and will also cater for gluten-free diets and vegans.

The kiosk will open to the public on Friday 27 July. During the summer months the kiosk will be open (on a trial basis) from 9.00am - 5.00pm, and 9.00am – 4.00pm in the winter.

The original Sons of Rest sign and plaque are now proudly hung at the entrance to the new community room in this new building.

The Sons of Rest exist to promote social and leisure activities for men and women over the age of 60 who reside in the area. At present there are 25 members of the Gheluvelt Sons of Rest club.

There are Sons of Rest buildings in Gheluvelt Park and Cripplegate Park, with the existing Gheluvelt pavilion built in 1953.