Stratford Park’s 50-metre, spring-fed outdoor pool in Stroud is set to open later this month.
Located at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, managed by leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Stroud District Council, the popular pool will open for morning sessions on a trial basis, as well as the usual times.
The pool will be open seven days a week, from Saturday, May 28 from noon until 7pm. Daily daytime lane sessions for keen swimmers will run from 12pm – 1pm and 6pm – 7pm, with public sessions for all ages and abilities to enjoy the whole pool, available from 1:15pm – 3:15pm and 3:45pm – 5:45pm.
In addition, early morning swimming sessions will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am – 9am.
Customers and members can book on-line, via the Everyone Active App, over the phone or at the centre. Refreshments and snacks will be available to purchase on site.
Originally built in 1937, for generations the Lido has been a popular spot, particularly during spells of hot weather. Well-loved by the local community, it receives upwards of 8,500 visitors during the summer months, usually opening from May until early September.
To prepare the outdoor pool for public use, it takes approximately three weeks to fill from a spring, following two weeks of painting, plus safety checks and training of temporary staff.
Jamie Nesbit, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We can confirm Stratford Park Lido will open on Saturday 28 May and we are offering a wide variety of swimming sessions to suit everyone, ranging from early morning to early evening.
“We’ve been working with Stroud District Council to ensure the outdoor pool is clean and safe to use and are excited to welcome families and friends back to enjoy the facilities very soon.”
Councillor Chris Brine, who chairs SDC’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said: “The Lido is a much-loved community asset which is ideal for a cooling dip when the weather warms up. It’s a key part of one of the three top priorities in the new Council Plan.”
The Friends of Stratford Park Lido, SDC and Everyone Active is working longer term to develop the 50 metre spring-fed pool, to restore and protect it as a high-quality community heritage asset.
A public consultation run by SDC, Stroud Town Council and The Friends, published in 2017, tested a selection of names with the public. The most popular was ‘Stratford Park Lido’, which is how the pool has been referred to since then.
Stratford Park Leisure Centre boasts two swimming pools, including the outdoor Lido and its 25m swimming pool inside the leisure centre, with an award-winning swimming lesson programme. Find out more here: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/stratford-park-leisure-centre/