Yahoo News The pretty Illford park named among the best in the country might be getting a new lido
It is a pretty common fact that parks are better when there is plenty to do in there. A popular park in Ilford is known for its gorgeous Grade II listed building and a huge outdoor gym - and is also set to have some amazing facilities added to it.
Plans for a new lido in Valentine's Park in Ilford, with a heated outdoor pool and cafe, have been officially approved and are set to be completed next year. Despite not even having these facilities yet, the park has won many awards for cleanliness and for being a brilliant day out.
Most recently, Valentine's Park has been recognised among the UK’s Top Ten parks in the prestigious People’s Choice Awards 2024. This annual award by Keep Britain Tidy celebrates the nation’s best-loved parks, with over 21,000 people casting their votes.
Valentine's Park has been voted into the top ten an impressive nine times since 2012. These awards highlight the continued support and love from the local community for cherished green spaces in different areas.
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Valentines Park currently boasts the largest outdoor gym in London, newly refurbished tennis courts, and will soon feature a 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool with modern changing facilities. This isn't all, though - the park will also have a children’s splash pad, café, gym, dance studio, meeting room, outdoor recreation areas, and convenient parking as soon as Autumn 2025.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "We now have two of the best parks in the country right here in Redbridge on our doorstep. These are the perfect day out for our neighbours who enjoy beautiful landscapes, nature paths, taking the dog for a walk, and fun, free activities for children.
“We will also deliver London's first new lido in decades in Valentines Park next year. Very few local authorities are currently investing in leisure facilities on this scale."
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