Popular Stroud Lido to reopen with new additions

THE STRATFORD PARK Lido in Stroud is opening its doors to the public on Saturday for the summer season.

The 50-metre-long outdoor swimming pool was opened in 1937 and has been a popular summer attraction for residents in Stroud and beyond ever since.

Run by Everyone Active in partnership with Stroud District Council and Friends of Stratford Park Lido, the lido will be running a reduced timetable from Saturday, May 25 until Saturday 1 July, followed by a full timetable across the summer until the start of September.

A fun-filled summer is planned for Stratford Park Lido with a host of family-friendly aquatic sessions scheduled, such as aqua aerobics and toddler swim sessions complete with toys.

There is also a refreshed pool programme with extra swimming slots for the public, including casual sessions and lane swimming.

This is part of the facility’s commitment to increasing physical activity across the district.

What’s more, a brand-new ‘snack shack’ is becoming available in July for visitors to enjoy refreshments, including hot food.

In preparation for the busy summer season, volunteers from the Friends of Stratford Park Lido group have been sprucing up the outdoor area and painting the fences – while Everyone Active scheduled a major clean before opening.

Samantha Laurie, general manager of Stratford Park Lido, said: “We can’t wait to welcome the local community and beyond back to Stratford Park Lido this weekend.

"It’s always a highlight of the summer, and we’re certain this year will be better than ever.

“With a host of fun activities planned for all ages, interests and abilities, along with our new snack bar, we encourage everyone to join us for a summer day-out at this unique local facility.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Friends of Stratford Park Lido group and its volunteers, and to our partner, Stroud District Council.

"It’s been a real team effort to get the pool summer-ready and we’re beyond excited to open our doors on Saturday.”

Stratford Park Outdoor Pool was opened in the summer of 1937 and it has a Listed diving board and Art Deco fountain.

Although initially heated before World War II, the Lido is now a cold-water pool after the metal heating elements were dismantled for the war effort, and opens for around 100 days a year during the summer months.

A 2017 public consultation run by SDC, Stroud Town Council and The Friends 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.

The Council funds the facility at a loss but recognises its value to the community.

Beki Aldam, SDC community services and licensing committee chair, said: “We know how much love there is for the Lido, which goes back generations,”

“Outdoor, cold-water swimming is very popular and the Lido provides a safe environment to enjoy this activity.

“I am really pleased that everything is on track for the traditional opening date, for what is an ageing facility which needs careful management.”

Booking is essential - tinyurl.com/3382tbnk