Dozens of delighted youngsters enjoyed romping among the sprays, geysers and fountains after the official opening on the Bogs recreation park.

With its eyecatching orange-coloured mosaic base and bull's head spray, the water park is the first of its kind in Nottinghamshire.

The winners of a poetry competition for Bulwell school pupils, with the water park as the theme, together cut a ribbon as part of their prize, as well as receiving £50 gift vouchers.

They were Charlotte Holford, who goes to Rufford Junior School, plus Hannahlee Day and Danielle Reeve, who attend Henry Mellish Comprehensive School.

Jackie Morris, chairman of the Friends Of The Bogs group, said the water park was the outcome of a four-year dream combined with lots of hard work, involving many people.

She and other members of the group were colourfully dressed in Victorian-style bathing costumes for the occasion.

Two Bulwell 'celebrities', the Sheriff of Nottingham, Coun Brian Grocock (Lab), and well-known showman James Mellors attended the opening.

Coun Grocock, who was accompanied by his Lady, Judith, recalled learning to swim in the Bogs area of the River Leen when he was a boy.
There was a large turnout of families for the opening and they were full of praise for the water park.

"It's money well spent," said Sean Boyle (40), of Highbury Road, who attended with his two sons, Keenan (nine) and Nail (three).

Equally complimentary was mother-of-five Tracey York, of Bulwell's Merchant Street, who said: "My kids love it."

The opening was preceded by a parade from outside the Red Lion Community Centre in Coventry Road, led by members of the Nottingham Corps of Drums.

A range of activities for the opening included face painting, fancy dress, circus skills, ballet dancing, salsa dancing and fair rides.
Nottingham City Council's area one committee financed the celebrations.