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Natural Water Play at Mundy Playing Fields

This page contains information related to the development of water play at the Mundy Playing Fields.

Project Background

The water play facility at Mundy Playing Fields has long been a valued community asset, providing seasonal play opportunities for local families and visitors. However, despite ongoing maintenance, the existing splash pad deteriorated significantly and was deemed unsuitable to reopen due to safety concerns. As a result, Thornbury Town Council identified the replacement and redevelopment of the facility as a priority project within its Capital Strategy.

In April 2025, the Council undertook a public consultation survey to gather residents’ views on the future of water play provision at Mundy Playing Fields. Feedback received helped shape the project’s direction and highlighted the importance of delivering an inclusive, accessible and engaging facility that meets the needs of the community.

Whilst plans for a permanent replacement facility progressed, temporary improvements to the site were introduced to ensure the area remained welcoming and usable. In June 2025, a temporary picnic area was installed, informed by community feedback and designed to enhance use of the space during the project’s development phase.

Between August and September 2025, the Council focused on establishing the foundations for project delivery through the development of a detailed project management plan and the procurement of specialist hydrology support. A hydrologist was appointed in October 2025 to undertake assessments and provide technical advice necessary to inform the future design and viability of the scheme.

Whilst hydrology investigations were being progressed, the Council continued with procurement of a Landscape Architect to lead the design and development of the new water play facility and surrounding area. Following a competitive procurement process, a Landscape Architect was appointed in February 2026 to begin developing proposals for the redevelopment of the site.

The project now moves into the next phase, where technical assessments, design development and stakeholder engagement will inform proposals for a new water play destination at Mundy Playing Fields. The ambition is to create a safe, sustainable and inclusive space that supports outdoor play, recreation and community wellbeing for future generations.


Landscape Strategy

At its meeting on 12 May 2026, Full Council approved the proposed Landscape Strategy for public consultation and to inform the detailed development of the play elements within the wider scheme. The strategy provides an overarching vision for the site and will guide the next stages of design development, stakeholder engagement and technical assessment.

The proposed approach is not a like-for-like replacement, but a different type of water play offer shaped by safety, sustainability, maintenance and public feedback. The council's intention is to create a more inclusive, engaging and sustainable destination for people of all ages, enhancing opportunities for outdoor play, recreation and social interaction whilst responding sensitively to the existing character of Mundy Playing Fields. Moving beyond a traditional splash pad, the ambition is to create a multi-generational space that can be enjoyed by younger children, older children, families and the wider community.

The proposed strategy considers not only the replacement of the former water play facility, but also the wider landscape, accessibility, biodiversity and long-term use of the space.

Key principles within the proposed Landscape Strategy include:

  • Inclusive and accessible experiences for all ages: Creating opportunities for children, young people, families and the wider community to enjoy the space through accessible routes, varied play experiences and inclusive design features that support different ages and abilities.
  • Nature-led design: Integrating natural materials, planting and landscape features to encourage exploration, learning and connection with the environment.
  • Water play and interaction: Exploring engaging water-based play opportunities that reflect the site’s identity whilst prioritising safety, sustainability and ease of maintenance.
  • Enhanced public realm: Improving the overall appearance and functionality of the area, including more seating, better access and spaces for informal recreation, relaxation and social interaction.
  • Biodiversity and sustainability: Seeking opportunities to enhance habitats, support biodiversity and incorporate sustainable approaches to drainage, planting and long-term management.
  • Long-term resilience: Considering how future facilities can be designed to be durable, manageable and capable of serving the community for many years.

Approval of the Landscape Strategy for consultation represents an important milestone in the project and allows further engagement to take place as proposals are developed. Feedback gathered through consultation, alongside technical assessments and ongoing design work, will help inform the detailed development of the play area and wider scheme.

More information related to the detail of the concept can be found in the images below. Please note the images are illustrative only and to help share the vision for the project.

Image of proposed stream with description of zone featuresZone 1, 4 & 5 - Images and details of nature recovery and habitat managementImages and details of stream engagement and playZone 3a & 3b - Illustrations of engagement areas

Consultation Event

Saturday 6th June at Thornbury Pride

Help shape the next stage...

Over the past few months, Thornbury Town Council has been working in partnership with Mei Loci Landscape Architects to develop a design strategy for Mundy Playing Field.  This important community space is well-loved and widely used and the aim is to ensure it remains safe, accessible, and welcoming generations to come, whilst embracing opportunities to naturalise the landscape around the Poulterbrook Stream.

As part of this engagement, a public consultation will be held during Thornbury Pride where the Council will have a stall and gazebo outside the Town Hall between 10am - 2pm on 6th June 2026.  These consultations provide valuable opportunities for residents to share their views and ideas directly with the project team. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to help name the project!

As part of the consultation process, representatives from Mei Loci Landscape Architects will be attending to gather thoughts and feedback and discuss concept proposals with interested members of the public.

Please come along to share your ideas and opinions, your feedback is important to shape plans for the future of Mundy Playing Fields!

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Landscape Startegy Consultation

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Lanscape Strategy FAQ's

I can already see the stream in parts of the site – why do anything?

This is a common question. While parts of the stream are already visible, a section remains buried in a concrete pipe. The project will open this section so the stream can flow naturally through the whole field.

Will the stream be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

Inclusive access is an important consideration. Zone 3a (the central social hub) and connecting paths will be as accessible as possible (given the natural terrain). We will also include accessible decks and boardwalks in Zone 3b for viewing and nature play.

Will the water be deep?

Safety is a key consideration in the design. The stream is being designed to remain shallow, with water depths similar to or lower than the existing stream.

What happens if the stream dries out in summer?

Natural water levels can vary throughout the year. Some sections of the stream may dry out during prolonged hot weather, but the separate water play features are expected to continue operating.

Will opening the stream increase flooding?

Flood risk is one of the key considerations in the design. The new stream channel will help slow, store and manage water during heavy rainfall. Detailed hydrological assessments will form part of the next stage of the project.

Will the area flood in winter?

It's reasonable to ask how the area will perform during periods of heavy rainfall. The project has been designed with specialist hydrology advice to help manage stormwater more effectively and reduce the risk of flooding.

Is the water safe?

Water quality is an important part of the project. Both the natural watercourse and the potable water play system will be regularly monitored and maintained to appropriate standards.

I'm worried about E. coli in the stream – is it safe for children?

This is an important concern for many residents. Water quality monitoring will be included as part of the project. Restoring a natural, flowing channel can help improve water conditions by reducing stagnation and supporting natural filtration processes.

What about Weil's disease?

Understandably, people want reassurance about potential health risks. The stream is being designed as a flowing watercourse with no permanent stagnant pools which reduces the risk of Weil’s disease. Nearby potable water is available in the public toilets for personal hygiene. Signage and public information will encourage good hygiene practices after contact with stream water.

Will the new landscape be safe for children?

Protecting public safety is a priority. Safety measures will be built into the design through the layout of the stream, crossings, play features and landscape materials.

How will the water play features work?

Families want play facilities that are enjoyable and reliable. The new water play area will use potable mains water supplied through interactive features, channels and pumps designed for children.

The old splash pad didn't work. What's different this time?

Many people have raised this during consultation. The new design uses a simpler water play system that relies on low-pressure mechanical features rather than high-pressure spray equipment, making it easier to operate and maintain.

Won't this waste drinking water?

Efficient water use is an important consideration. The system is designed to be efficient and educational. Water is pumped into above-ground troughs, then recirculated using Archimedes screws (a simple, visual pump). Children will learn a “take, use, return” message – showing how water can be used for play and then returned to the system, minimising waste. Only minimal top-ups will be needed.

Where does the water come from?

People often ask how the system will operate. The play features will use mains water, while the natural stream will remain completely separate.

Will the splash pad be removed?

Many residents will have memories of the existing splash pad. The current splash pad surface is likely to be removed as part of the wider redesign.

Will there still be bridges and crossings?

Maintaining access across the park is a key design objective. Existing crossings will be retained where possible and new crossings are proposed to improve movement around the site.

Will Parkrun and community events still take place?

We recognise how important these activities are to the community. Events such as Parkrun and the fireworks display are expected to continue, we will work with event organisers to ensure layout of events are adjusted to suit the new landscape.

Can I still walk my dog and let them near the stream?

The area can continue to be enjoyed by dog walkers, with the same rules as the rest of the site i.e. dogs must be kept on leads and owners remain responsible for picking up poo (as always). This protects water quality and wildlife. The nature recovery areas (Zone 4 & 5) will have sensitive habitats and owners must control dogs especially during bird nesting seasons.

I thought hemlock was dangerous. Will you remove it?

Balancing public safety and biodiversity is an important consideration. Hemlock will be managed in publicly accessible areas and monitored as part of ongoing site maintenance. Appropriate signage will be provided where necessary.

When will this happen?

People understandably want to know when work might start. This is currently a concept proposal, following consultation and detailed hydrological studies, a phased construction timeline will be confirmed. We will publish updates on our website.

Will the playing fields close during the works?

Keeping the site usable during the works is important. Some areas may need to be temporarily fenced, but the aim is to keep as much of the site open as possible.

What existing structures will be removed?

Many people want to understand how the area will change. Some structures and underground infrastructure may be removed to make space for the restored stream, habitats and play features.

Who will maintain the new stream and play features?

Long-term management is important to the success of the project. Thornbury Town Council maintains the area on behalf of the Mundy Playing Fields Trust. The site will be maintained through a planned programme of inspections, vegetation management and routine maintenance.

Who will monitor water quality?

Ongoing monitoring is an important part of responsible site management. A water quality monitoring programme will be developed as part of the detailed design stage and informed by specialist environmental advice.

How much will the project cost?

Transparency around project costs is important. The current estimated cost of the project is approximately £269,500.

How is the project being funded?

People understandably want to know how the project will be funded. Funding is expected to come primarily from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions from local development, alongside any opportunities to secure external grants and environmental funding.

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