A popular summer water park will not operate in Cardiff Bay this year due to ongoing concerns over water quality, prompting its relocation to Cosmeston Lake in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.
Aqua Park, known for its inflatable assault course featuring slides and climbing frames, has operated in Cardiff Bay since 2019. However, the operator has cited repeated water quality issues following heavy rainfall as a barrier to continued operations. These problems have rendered the attraction “unable to operate” on several occasions, according to Vale of Glamorgan Council officials.
Cardiff Harbour Authority confirmed that water quality in Cardiff Bay is “routinely tested” in accordance with EU bathing water standards. Nevertheless, recent summers have seen increased rainfall and higher river flows, contributing to a rise in failed water quality tests. The authority emphasized that while maintaining public health remains a top priority, external factors affecting inflow water quality are beyond their control.
Marcus Goldsworthy, Vale of Glamorgan Council’s director of place, described the move as an opportunity to generate new income to enhance facilities at Cosmeston Lake. A pilot agreement to run Aqua Park at Cosmeston from May through September is expected to be finalized next month.
Speaking at a recent environment and regeneration scrutiny committee meeting, Goldsworthy explained that the operator faced persistent challenges in Cardiff Bay, particularly during periods of heavy rain, which compromised the park’s financial viability. He added that water quality at Cosmeston Lake is tested biannually to ensure standards are maintained.
Aqua Park was originally launched in Cardiff Bay in 2019 but was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening for the 2023 and 2024 summer seasons before this relocation decision.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council will conduct a full evaluation of the pilot program before deciding whether to open a tender for a permanent operator at Cosmeston Lake in the future. Meanwhile, Cardiff Harbour Authority continues to monitor and manage water quality in Cardiff Bay, acknowledging broader water quality challenges affecting freshwater bodies across the UK.
