[1] Recreation facilities in the area of Rivelin Valley Park date back to 1909 when the Corporation converted the New Dam into an open air swimming pool.

The New Dam had been constructed in 1853 as a supplementary water supply to Spooner mill which made scythes and cutlery.

The swimming pool was opened on 18 September 1909 for men and boys, although it is recorded that women were allowed to use the facility.

[2] New facilities were built for the park in the early 1950s on the site of the Spooner’s wheel, which dated from the late 18th century.

[3][4] The paddling pools were completely revamped and renamed as the Rivelin Valley Splash in 2013 after consultation with the local population.