A popular family attraction in Sutton-on-Sea has reopened to the public ahead of the May half-term, following extensive refurbishment and improvement works delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of East Lindsey District Council.
Situated on the seafront, the Maple Leaf Paddling Pool was originally gifted to the town by the Canadian government following the 1953 Sutton-on-Sea floods. It remains one of three free public paddling pools operated by the council.
Alliance Leisure led a specialist team – including Universal Group as principal contractor and Axiom as project manager – to refurbish and upgrade the much-loved attraction. The works included the installation of modern infrastructure, such as new pool filtration and circulation systems, UV-resistant safety surfacing, and a standalone plant room housing state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems.
To enhance the visitor experience, new interactive water play features have also been introduced, offering a range of fun and engaging activities for children of all ages to enjoy.
Further improvements have also been made across the wider site. These include upgraded walkways, refurbished tiered seating, as well as enhancements to paths, railings, and planters. Additionally, the area now benefits from new street benches, litter bins, and modern lighting. The site has been further enhanced through landscaping works and new planting, creating a more welcoming and attractive environment for visitors.
The project was delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and forms part of the wider regeneration of Sutton-on-Sea. It follows the success of the £13.5 million Station Leisure & Learning Centre in Mablethorpe, also delivered by Alliance Leisure for East Lindsey District Council last summer.
The paddling pool refurbishment has been supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, both distributed by East Lindsey District Council, as part of its commitment to investing in heritage assets and developing local visitor attractions.