Rickmansworth Aquadrome - share your thoughts

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We’re lucky to have a biodiverse nature reserve, which has helped shape our visitors’ cherished memories across the decades. As a much-loved local spot, people visit the Aquadrome to feel closer to each other and the natural world. From early years through to adulthood and old age, generations of families have connected over their appreciation for this special place and have enjoyed the wide range of activities that it offers – from wildlife spotting to sailing its serene waters.

In the coming years, Three Rivers District Council, alongside its delivery partner, Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, and with support from external funders, will undertake significant work to restore, improve and safeguard the site for the future.

In line with the 2022 – 2027 Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan, our vision is:

'For the Aquadrome to be enhanced, nurtured, and protected. To achieve a balance so nature can flourish, and visitors can connect with and discover beautiful and unique habitats whilst understanding the importance of the environmental heritage of the site.'

Accessibility survey

We want to make the Aquadrome a great place to visit for all the community. We would love to hear from people with a disability, or those caring for people with disabilities to tell us about your experience and how we can improve the Aquadrome for you.

Please select the Accessibility Survey tab below to have your say.

Share your thoughts and memories

We want everyone to be part of the Aquadrome's journey by providing their feedback or explaining what the site means to them.

Please use the ideas board to share your thoughts, feedback and photos so that we can build a picture of how the Rickmansworth Aquadrome is used, and what it means to its visitors.

Have a question?

We have created an FAQ page to answer as many questions about the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project as we can. However, if you want to ask a question not found on the page, we are more than happy to answer. Just click the ‘question’ tab below and ask away!

Community engagement

The Community Engagement Officer will be based at Rickmansworth Aquadrome around the café every Wednesday up to and including 11 February 2026 from 12pm – 2pm.

This weekly drop-in will give visitors and local residents the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions about the site, and learn more about upcoming activities and the Aquadrome restoration project.

Further information

For further information on the project, please visit The Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project page on our website.

We’re lucky to have a biodiverse nature reserve, which has helped shape our visitors’ cherished memories across the decades. As a much-loved local spot, people visit the Aquadrome to feel closer to each other and the natural world. From early years through to adulthood and old age, generations of families have connected over their appreciation for this special place and have enjoyed the wide range of activities that it offers – from wildlife spotting to sailing its serene waters.

In the coming years, Three Rivers District Council, alongside its delivery partner, Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, and with support from external funders, will undertake significant work to restore, improve and safeguard the site for the future.

In line with the 2022 – 2027 Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan, our vision is:

'For the Aquadrome to be enhanced, nurtured, and protected. To achieve a balance so nature can flourish, and visitors can connect with and discover beautiful and unique habitats whilst understanding the importance of the environmental heritage of the site.'

Accessibility survey

We want to make the Aquadrome a great place to visit for all the community. We would love to hear from people with a disability, or those caring for people with disabilities to tell us about your experience and how we can improve the Aquadrome for you.

Please select the Accessibility Survey tab below to have your say.

Share your thoughts and memories

We want everyone to be part of the Aquadrome's journey by providing their feedback or explaining what the site means to them.

Please use the ideas board to share your thoughts, feedback and photos so that we can build a picture of how the Rickmansworth Aquadrome is used, and what it means to its visitors.

Have a question?

We have created an FAQ page to answer as many questions about the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project as we can. However, if you want to ask a question not found on the page, we are more than happy to answer. Just click the ‘question’ tab below and ask away!

Community engagement

The Community Engagement Officer will be based at Rickmansworth Aquadrome around the café every Wednesday up to and including 11 February 2026 from 12pm – 2pm.

This weekly drop-in will give visitors and local residents the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions about the site, and learn more about upcoming activities and the Aquadrome restoration project.

Further information

For further information on the project, please visit The Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project page on our website.

The Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project - your questions

Whilst we have tried to answer any questions you may have on our FAQs page, we would like you to use this space to ask any questions you may have regarding The Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project.

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  • Share Q. Why can't the Aquadrome play area be sanitised for the Japanese Knotweed immediately and the play area re-opened immediately? on Facebook Share Q. Why can't the Aquadrome play area be sanitised for the Japanese Knotweed immediately and the play area re-opened immediately? on Twitter Share Q. Why can't the Aquadrome play area be sanitised for the Japanese Knotweed immediately and the play area re-opened immediately? on Linkedin Email Q. Why can't the Aquadrome play area be sanitised for the Japanese Knotweed immediately and the play area re-opened immediately? link

    Q. Why can't the Aquadrome play area be sanitised for the Japanese Knotweed immediately and the play area re-opened immediately?

    Deepak asked 22 days ago

    Thank you for your question on the 18 January 2026.

    We are sorry that you are unhappy with the service you have received from Leisure and Natural Infrastructure.

    Your question is in relation to the situation of Ebury play area at the Aquadrome. 

    As you have stated, there has been the unexpected discovery of Japanese Knotweed in the play area. Three Rivers District Council has therefore needed to restrict public access to prevent accidental transfer of this highly invasive species, which is not allowed under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. The council understands how disappointing the delayed opening of Ebury Play area is for everyone and is working with the contractor to resolve this. There are specific permissions and processes to go through to ensure this is carried out correctly. I can assure you that work is progressing on this matter and as soon as we are able to work will recommence on site. For further information including updates when they are available, please click here. 

    Whilst we understand your position, we must follow the correct procedures for the remedial work. 

  • Share I’d like to understand when the playground at the Aquadrome will reopen. I heard the temperature needed to drop to treat the Japanese Knotweed. The weather had cooled - is it cold enough? It’s a crying shame and disappointment that this has taken so long. I would also encourage opening the path along the river. It feels like madness this has also been closed. It’s such an amazing local resort and the Aquadrome brings visitors to the town and therefore income for local businesses. When will this all be completed? Please prioritise it. on Facebook Share I’d like to understand when the playground at the Aquadrome will reopen. I heard the temperature needed to drop to treat the Japanese Knotweed. The weather had cooled - is it cold enough? It’s a crying shame and disappointment that this has taken so long. I would also encourage opening the path along the river. It feels like madness this has also been closed. It’s such an amazing local resort and the Aquadrome brings visitors to the town and therefore income for local businesses. When will this all be completed? Please prioritise it. on Twitter Share I’d like to understand when the playground at the Aquadrome will reopen. I heard the temperature needed to drop to treat the Japanese Knotweed. The weather had cooled - is it cold enough? It’s a crying shame and disappointment that this has taken so long. I would also encourage opening the path along the river. It feels like madness this has also been closed. It’s such an amazing local resort and the Aquadrome brings visitors to the town and therefore income for local businesses. When will this all be completed? Please prioritise it. on Linkedin Email I’d like to understand when the playground at the Aquadrome will reopen. I heard the temperature needed to drop to treat the Japanese Knotweed. The weather had cooled - is it cold enough? It’s a crying shame and disappointment that this has taken so long. I would also encourage opening the path along the river. It feels like madness this has also been closed. It’s such an amazing local resort and the Aquadrome brings visitors to the town and therefore income for local businesses. When will this all be completed? Please prioritise it. link

    I’d like to understand when the playground at the Aquadrome will reopen. I heard the temperature needed to drop to treat the Japanese Knotweed. The weather had cooled - is it cold enough? It’s a crying shame and disappointment that this has taken so long. I would also encourage opening the path along the river. It feels like madness this has also been closed. It’s such an amazing local resort and the Aquadrome brings visitors to the town and therefore income for local businesses. When will this all be completed? Please prioritise it.

    A Gregory asked 21 days ago

    Thank you for your question on the 19 January 2026.

    I am sorry that you are unhappy with the service you have received from Leisure and Natural Infrastructure.

    Your question is in relation to the situation of Ebury play area at the Aquadrome and the closure of the Woodland Pathway.

    As you have stated, there has been the unexpected discovery of Japanese Knotweed in the play area. Three Rivers District Council has therefore needed to restrict public access to prevent accidental transfer of this highly invasive species, which is not allowed under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. The council understands how disappointing the delayed opening of Ebury Play area is for everyone and is working with the contractor to resolve this. There are specific permissions and processes to go through to ensure this is carried out correctly. I can assure you that work is progressing on this matter and as soon as we are able to work will recommence on site. For further information including updates when they are available, please click here. 

    The council understands that Aquadrome users are keen to see the woodland pathway reopened, that is the council’s desire too. The path is currently closed for Health and Safety reasons owing to seasonal flooding which is an important aspect of the site’s purpose and ecology. Despite a very dry spring and summer in 2025, the preceding years saw more significant rainfall, causing structural damage to the pathway meaning that it is currently unsafe for public use. Short term repairs to the pathway would likely be washed away with any further significant rainfall and flooding, resulting in the re-closure of the path and a waste of limited council funds.

    The council is focused on a long-term solution and therefore has secured external funding to repair the woodland pathway as well as bring habitat improvements. The design of the upgraded pathway will be informed by a hydrological survey that is currently taking place. This is a complex survey and modelling exercise which will help to better understand the movement of water into, out of and across the Aquadrome. Any new pathways will be designed to work in harmony with seasonal flooding – and provide a better long-term solution for all. We expect the results of the hydrological study soon. For more information including updates when they are available, please click here.

    Many alternative pathways and walking routes remain open within the Aquadrome for everyone to use and enjoy. The council thanks visitors for their patience and understanding.

    Whilst I understand your position, we must follow the correct procedures for the remedial work and ensure that health and safety for all Rickmansworth Aquadrome users is prioritised.

  • Share Are you able to move the playground equipment from the Ebury way park, to where the climbing frame is in the field next to the car park, until you sort out the weeds on Facebook Share Are you able to move the playground equipment from the Ebury way park, to where the climbing frame is in the field next to the car park, until you sort out the weeds on Twitter Share Are you able to move the playground equipment from the Ebury way park, to where the climbing frame is in the field next to the car park, until you sort out the weeds on Linkedin Email Are you able to move the playground equipment from the Ebury way park, to where the climbing frame is in the field next to the car park, until you sort out the weeds link

    Are you able to move the playground equipment from the Ebury way park, to where the climbing frame is in the field next to the car park, until you sort out the weeds

    Hollie asked 25 days ago

    Thank you for your question regarding Ebury Play Area. Unfortunately, this suggestion is not feasible. For more information and updates on Ebury Play Area, please click here

  • Share When will it be possible to swim at the Aquadrome? on Facebook Share When will it be possible to swim at the Aquadrome? on Twitter Share When will it be possible to swim at the Aquadrome? on Linkedin Email When will it be possible to swim at the Aquadrome? link

    When will it be possible to swim at the Aquadrome?

    DaveDave asked 23 days ago

    Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited in both lakes at The Aquadrome. There is open water swimming provided privately in the local area. Further details can be found on the below links:

    https://activeswimworld.co.uk/blog/venue/mtslake/ http://www.denhamwaterski.com/swim/swim.html

  • Share What specific activities is the council doing to remediate the aquadrome in order to restore the annual canal festival? on Facebook Share What specific activities is the council doing to remediate the aquadrome in order to restore the annual canal festival? on Twitter Share What specific activities is the council doing to remediate the aquadrome in order to restore the annual canal festival? on Linkedin Email What specific activities is the council doing to remediate the aquadrome in order to restore the annual canal festival? link

    What specific activities is the council doing to remediate the aquadrome in order to restore the annual canal festival?

    AL asked 29 days ago

    The Canal Festival was not delivered by Three Rivers District Council and the decision to cancel the Canal Festival was made by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust. There is a hire of grounds process for anyone wishing to hire the Aquadrome and as long as they follow the terms and conditions of that process, then a hire can be considered: Hire a park or open space | Three Rivers District Council

  • Share When can we expect to see the children’s playground open? I know it was delayed due to Japanese knotweed. How long does it take for that to be cleared enough for the playground to open? I have seen no activity in that area for some time. Meanwhile weeds are getting g bigger and bigger. on Facebook Share When can we expect to see the children’s playground open? I know it was delayed due to Japanese knotweed. How long does it take for that to be cleared enough for the playground to open? I have seen no activity in that area for some time. Meanwhile weeds are getting g bigger and bigger. on Twitter Share When can we expect to see the children’s playground open? I know it was delayed due to Japanese knotweed. How long does it take for that to be cleared enough for the playground to open? I have seen no activity in that area for some time. Meanwhile weeds are getting g bigger and bigger. on Linkedin Email When can we expect to see the children’s playground open? I know it was delayed due to Japanese knotweed. How long does it take for that to be cleared enough for the playground to open? I have seen no activity in that area for some time. Meanwhile weeds are getting g bigger and bigger. link

    When can we expect to see the children’s playground open? I know it was delayed due to Japanese knotweed. How long does it take for that to be cleared enough for the playground to open? I have seen no activity in that area for some time. Meanwhile weeds are getting g bigger and bigger.

    Annette Garvey asked 6 months ago

    The anticipated reopening of the Ebury Play Area has been delayed following the unexpected discovery of Japanese knotweed.
    The council also would love to have the play area opened and are working very hard to solve the ongoing issues.

    It is anticipated that the play area will remain closed until later this year.

  • Share why is the new aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area.... why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs? on Facebook Share why is the new aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area.... why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs? on Twitter Share why is the new aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area.... why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs? on Linkedin Email why is the new aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area.... why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs? link

    why is the new aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area.... why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs?

    pippa asked 12 months ago

    Why is the new Aquadrome bridge red? it looks very out of place for a 'natural' type area....

    The rationale behind the colour choice is based on Japanese gardens where deep red is used to highlight the natural landscape and embrace harmony. This balances with the nature reserve and its natural colouring.  The area will be landscaped with muted browns and gabions, and the bridge will blend easily with this palette. 

    Why has developer money been spent on this and not houses or road repairs? 

    The bridge is a major access route to visit the Aquadrome or town, and it has reached its end of life, no longer safe or fit for purpose. A CIL spending application was made for its replacement which was unanimously approved at Full Council on 09.07.24.
    CIL is a charge which allows the Council to raise funds from new developments for use on infrastructure to support the growth in the district.  The Aquadrome is viewed as an important and valued leisure facility and as such this infrastructure improvement was supported. 

    Public roads are maintained by Hertfordshire County Council, and affordable housing provision is dealt with via receipts from Section 106 Agreements for this purpose.

    Further information on CIL  can be found on our website: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/planning/community-infrastructure-levy#How%20we%20allocate%20and%20spend%20the%20CIL


Page last updated: 06 Feb 2026, 08:40 AM