Stroud Times had a preview of the newly refurbished Stratford Park Outdoor Pool today, Friday, ahead of the reopening. Faye Hatcher spoke to Stroud District Councillors Lindsey Green, Steve Robinson and Martin Brown, along with Naomi Said from Save Our Lido Stroud (SOLS), about what they felt the future holds for the outdoor pool.
Stroud’s historic lido will reopen for the summer season tomorrow, Saturday, August 15 – with campaigners celebrating what they describe as a major victory after months of pressure to prevent its closure.
SOLS, the volunteer group behind the campaign, has joined forces with Stroud District Council to mark the reopening with a weekend of family entertainment, live music and poolside events.
The much-loved 1930s pool will welcome swimmers for six weeks, with longer three-hour public swimming sessions and additional evening lane swimming among the changes for this season.
The reopening celebrations begin on Saturday with live 1930s-style swing music from local band Moonlighting at the entrance, co-funded by Stroud Town Council and Stroud District Council. A new Art Deco-style mural will also be unveiled.
The mural has been designed and painted by local artists Katherine Bryan-Merrett and Leigh Charman, alongside Sam Carter and community volunteers. It was coordinated by SOLS and funded through donations from residents.
The Active Lifestyles team will also be at the entrance until midday with games, goody bags and lido-themed colouring sheets.
Saturday’s swimming sessions are:
- 9am-11am – lane swimming
- 11am-2pm – public swimming
- 2.30pm-5.30pm – public swimming
- 5.45pm-6.45pm – lane swimming
On Sunday, Stroud DJ collective Los Domingos will provide an all-day poolside soundtrack, with local DJs Ben Pearce, Jack Duplock, Selva Samba and Rosco playing global grooves.
Sunday’s sessions are:
- 10am-10.45am – lane swimming
- 11am-2pm – public swimming
- 2.30pm-5.30pm – public swimming
- 5.45pm-6.45pm – lane swimming
Caroline Molloy, who led the SOLS campaign, said the reopening was the result of a huge community effort.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown up, helped spread the word, and shown the council how important it is to take care of our lido and keep it open.
“We feel lucky to have our outdoor pool and lucky to have such a strong community.
“This re-opening is thanks to everyone who emailed councillors, flash mobbed, waved placards, signed the petition, put up posters, turned up to boring council meetings, donated to fund the mural, and more.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at the outdoor pool over the next six weeks – let’s come and show the lido some love!”
Campaigner Julian Fiddes, who advised the council on the reopening works, said SOLS had helped challenge the need for large-scale capital renewal plans.
“By challenging the need for large-scale capital renewal plans and working with SDC to agree a schedule of achievable maintenance works, we helped reopen the lido safely for this summer,” he said.
“We’re pleased that the council has committed funds for capital investment, and look forward to working collaboratively on the long-term future for the lido.”
Denise Ballard, who coordinated the new mural, said: “Coordinating this project was an absolute joy.
“Katherine and Leigh have captured the golden era of the lido, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome swimmers back past this beautiful artwork.
“It’s a gift from the community to the lido, and every remaining donation to the crowdfunder helps us make sure our artists are fully paid for their stunning work.”
Naomi Said said the reopening would be “a real moment of community celebration”.
“Thanks to Stroud District Council and Stroud Town Council for funding this event,” she said.
“Sunday’s poolside social will bring a wonderful inclusive family and friends style atmosphere for a relaxing few hours by the pool soundtracked in style, alongside the new lido cafe to enjoy too.
“Bring your inflatables and best sunglasses!”
