Aquadrome

Dogs in Aquadrome

Message received 25 June 2025 – via email.

I have heard that the Council may require dogs to be kept on leads in the Aquadrome. Also there may be a requirement for dogs to be kept on the lead elsewhere.

I am the custodian of a mini Schnauzer – my fourth. His youth and nature is such that I would always walk him on the lead beside a road but the great pleasure for both of us is when we are in an open space and he can be free of the lead and sniff, run, and mingle with other dogs at will.

Living on the Harefield Road the Aquadrome is in easy reach. If this proposal is passed, I shall have to drive elsewhere. Hopefully, the council will not choose to restrain dogs in all their open spaces, even so I shall then add to pollution (and this is not a ‘good’ thing).

My dogs are essential for my life. When we are on our daily walks, I meet neighbours and strangers and friends – my social life. Without a dog, I would stay indoors most of the time and as I have no family I, too, would have mental health problems – and that is no idle comment.

I imagine most other dog owners would agree with me.

I hope this is a matter where you can represent us dog owners to the Council.

RDRA response:

As a German Shepherd dog owner who walks at the aquadrome twice daily, I understand and sympathize with your concerns.

In my view, it is some dog owners, rather than their dogs, who require better training and information. Improved signage and information boards around the aquadrome would be beneficial.

It is natural for an animal to sniff other dogs as a form of introduction. However, some aggressive dogs should be kept on leads and, in certain cases, muzzled.

Implementing a single, blanket policy would be inappropriate. Additionally, how does the council plan to enforce this policy? It could lead to conflicts between dog owners and create an unpleasant, hostile environment.

I am willing to organize a resident’s forum to discuss this issue if there is interest.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan not fit for purpose

Message received 17 June 2025 via comment under Riverside Path topic avoided by authorities post.

I attended 3RDC’s local area forum on 4/3/25, and asked the text below. I’m unable to attend the [RDRA AGM] meeting tonight, 17/6/25;

I am speaking against the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan because it does not address the following points.

  • The Rickmansworth Aquadrome woodland path has been closed for over a year now, due to professional advice received by TRDC that says it is “unsafe”. There has been no evidence issued by TRDC to verify that statement.
  • TRDC has said the path remains closed, awaiting the issue of a hydrological report, possibly by the Environmental Agency. It is not usual for a hydrological report to take over a year to be investigated, drafted and issued.
  • The existing hydrological assets already installed in the Aquadrome – identified and located using what3words locational app, and issued to TRDC in November 2024 have not been maintained by TRDC for many years. Recent correspondence from TRDC states they are now considered no longer fit for purpose.
  • Would TRDC therefore, without further prevarication issue the supporting evidence that shows by which measure the woodland path is considered “unsafe” and how it fails to meet that measure?
  • Would they also categorically state when, and to which organisation the alleged hydrological report was commissioned, and demonstrate by what measure the existing hydrological assets are no longer fit for purpose, regardless of if they had been maintained?
  • Failure to comply with these requests will leave TRDC in an invidious position, in barring the Rickmansworth public from one of its most bio-diverse pedestrian routes for reasons that they are unable to show any supporting evidence.
  • Please overhaul the hydrological assets as previously noted; commit to maintaining them; and re-open the woodland path.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for this post. We can file a ‘Freedom of Information’ request to get TRDC to respond.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Riverside Path topic avoided by authorities

Message received 12 June 2025 – via Comment under post: Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group.

Once again the issue of the closure (now 18 months+) of the Riverside Path is avoided. It was closed on highly debatable H&S and public safety grounds. Although 3RDC claims to be committed to repairs and reopening, it is apparent from the summary above that there is no funding secured either for investigative work, nor repairs. The promise of re-opening therrefore is little better than worthless, and the basis for the closure remains deliberately vague and imprecise. Truly a disgraceful state of affairs and one with little prospect of resolution.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group

The Pedestrian Bridge:

I am so pleased to let you know that the new pedestrian bridge is complete and is now open. The diversion routes have been removed, and visitors can enjoy walking over the attractive bridge into the Nature Reserve.

This has been a challenging project, and we are happy to have opened the bridge for the public to enjoy, however the opening of Ebury Way Play Area will now take place later than hoped and is now scheduled for this coming autumn owing to the discovery of Japanese Knotweed on site.

Following a public vote through the Councils ‘Have Your Say’ digital platform, the bridge has been named ‘The Aquadrome Bridge’.

The bridges completion and naming will be formally celebrated in late June with the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire attending to cut the ribbon!

Summary of recent work:

This has been a busy period and is marked with the completion of the pedestrian bridge, the upgrade of 21 Fishing Swims, creation of 6 Back to Nature sites, use of the new branding and the construction of a bird viewing platform.

Below are ‘before and after’ photos of some of these projects as the change and the improvements are great to see.

Key milestones of the construction of Aquadrome Bridge

What’s Next:

We await the decision from the National Lottery Heritage fund for a Development bid. If successful, this will provide a grant of £787,315 which will enable us to develop:

  • A Landscape and Environmental Design Master Plan for the entire site
  • Increase our Public and Stake holder engagement
  • Complete all surveys of the site including the Hydrological Study (still awaiting the updated flood modelling from the Environment Agency, who have now given an updated timescale of July)

The work in the Development phase will inform us about the requirements needed when we submit a Delivery phase bid to the National Lottery. This bid is currently estimated at £5.5m and will focus on Nature Recovery and Visitor Experience.

During these phases of work, we will look to utilise the HS2 Colne Valley Additional Mitigation Plan (AMP) funding of £510,463 which we received last year. This money has been used as match funding to help leverage the National Lottery funding bid. The work allocated under this budget includes improved paths, habitat enhancements and a new boardwalk.

I am looking to arrange a meeting for the Steering Group in late September as we will be able to discuss the outcomes of the National Lottery bid at that point and the plan moving forward. Though I will keep you updated by email with any news we receive about our Development bid.

By R.D.R.A., ago
The Aquadrome Bridge

Official name: The Aquadrome Bridge

Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group after RDRA we raised concerns about lack of communication

The Three Rivers website has lots of information on the status of the bridge along with some exciting drone footage and press releases. We are pleased to have also been given space in MyRicky since December and we have a featured article in the monthly magazine which provided an update on the project. So please watch out for that.

General overview of the project:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project

The story so far – an insight into the funding of the project:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project#The%20story%20so%20far

Frequently asked questions:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project#Frequently%20asked%20questions%20(FAQs)

By R.D.R.A., ago

Riverside Path still closed

Message received 3rd May, 2025 – via email.

I wonder if the the association has either news or views on the closure of the riverside path at the Aquadrome? I have not seen any coverage of this on the e-new bulletins and this situation has been going on for the best part of 15 months.

Initially there was no information about why this decision had been taken. Subsequent enquiries to the responsible officer (Emma Sheridan) tell us it is H&S issues as the path has been rendered unsafe due the persistent floods. It is as you should be aware a wetland site and by its nature it floods because it part of the floodplain, so it was always the case although recent wet winters have not helped matters. Decisions as the what repairs and when it will be reopened are dependent on the outcome of independently commissioned 3rd party hydrology surveys (by the EA), and subsequent investigation work by 3RDC before a new safe pathway specification can be formulated. As matters stand the current impasse could persists for months and years.

On the face of it the decsion to close the path is reasonable and proportionate, but as many other residents will testify the current state of riverside path is no worse and arguably better that most of the other footpaths around the aquadrome site. Put simply if it is justified to close this path on H&S grounds the other paths should be closed too. They are not and there are no plans to do. No one doubts 3RDC’s competence to act to protect residents but the evidence on the ground does not match or justify what we are being told. Many individuals have explained this to 3RDC which remains steadfast in its stance. Questions have been raised in Open Council meetings and there is at least 1 expensively petition doing the rounds. What is anything is RDRA’s position on this please?

RDRA response:

Thank you for your email via our website. I fully agree with your comments about the riverside path in the Aquadrome.Unfortunately, there are no updates from TRDC regarding the completion of the hydrological survey or when the path will reopen.

The longer it stays closed, the higher the reopening costs will be. It appears that the council is not keeping residents like us informed.

I’m unsure how residents can get the council to communicate and engage with us. I welcome any suggestions you may have.

By R.D.R.A., ago
CGI of new Aquadrome bridge

Name the New Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge. Deadline 28th March

Three Rivers are asking residents and visitors for their comments on each of the five names shortlisted below. Final decision on the bridge name will be made later this year.

The proposed names are:

  • Ann Shaw Bridge
  • Aquadrome Bridge
  • Colne View Bridge
  • Ebury Bridge
  • Harry Walker Bridge

Each suggested name has a description explaining its link to Rickmansworth. The survey will run until Friday 28 March.

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/aquadrome-bridge-name

By R.D.R.A., ago

Bridge Replacement on 15-16 March & other Aquadrome Enhancements

Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge Replacement.

The old Aquadrome pedestrian bridge off Riverside Drive, next to the playground, is being replaced for a new gateway to the nature reserve. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, Beaver Bridges, successfully disassembled the bridge last month and the new bridge will be installed on 15th and 16th March. Expect single lane traffic management during this time.

The Aquadrome remains open via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.

The new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will be 48.6m in length and 3m wide – double in width than the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will also be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.

Fishing swim enhancements:

Enhancement work on the fishing swims started last month on Batchworth Lake. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, AquaMaintain will be working on the site until Monday 31 March. The plans, which have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have been developed in consultation with the local fishing club and Countryside Management Services.

The Story so far:

Earlier in the year we reported the conclusion of the Lottery fund bid ‘Identify, Inform, Involve’ – Natural Heritage Networks project successes.  Our Evaluation report and digital brochure documenting the community programme are now hosted on the council’s website. We are pleased to share these with you and hope that you enjoy looking through the two documents: Natural Heritage Networks Evaluation Report and Aquadrome 2024 Activity Highlights.

Please visit Rickmansworth Aquadrome Digital Brochures.

It’s an exciting time at the Aquadrome and we thank you for your continued support. 

By R.D.R.A., ago

Aquadrome Bridge near playground closed from 20th January until Easter

Message from Three Rivers District Council

I am pleased to inform you that we will be commencing the replacement of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Bridge off Riverside Drive. Planned works will begin from Monday 20 January until Easter. During this time, the bridge and Ebury Play Area will be closed to the public to allow the work to be completed safely.

Pedestrians can still access Rickmansworth Aquadrome and town centre during the works. The established diversion route will be in place with on-site signage.

We’ve been working with our contractor, Beaver Bridges, and local agencies, including the Environment Agency and Hertfordshire Highways, to ensure they are aware of the works and happy with how they will be carried out and that we comply with all necessary legislation, we are only now able to confirm the dates.

Our Communications team have a planned programme including social media posts and a recent press release on the council website to notify the public with further details.

This is an exciting part of the overall project, and we look forward to bringing you a superb new bridge and nature focused play area soon.

For more details on the work please visit: 
https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/rickmansworth-aquadrome-bridge-closure-replaced

By R.D.R.A., ago

January 100+ Club winners drawn

It was a bright and beautiful day for the next RDRA 100+ Club prize draw, held at the Cafe in the Park in Rickmansworth on Friday 26th January. We had a delicious lunch and marvelled at how busy the place was – the Aquadrome really is the heart of Rickmansworth! As per the last draw, we used a Random Number Generator to draw the winners and they will be contacted very soon – congratulations to them!

The RDRA 100+ Club raises funds for good causes in Rickmansworth to make it a better place to live in.

Click here to join the RDRA 100+ Club

If you have not renewed your RDRA membership yet, join the RDRA 100+ Club and be a member of both!

“…be in it to win it!” says Andrea Clark, first prize winner of £150 last month.

100+ Club prize draw held at Cafe in the Park, Rickmansworth
Ash and Anne use a Random Number Generator to draw winners
By R.D.R.A., ago