Stroud's Stratford Park Lido is extending its outdoor swimming season by two weeks, just in time for the arrival of a late summer heatwave.
The cold water pool was due to close on Sunday 3 September 2023, but it's now open until Sunday 17 September 2023 instead, to make up for the late start to the swimming season back in June.
Seasoned swimmers can enjoy lane swimming sessions, while there will also be public swimming sessions between 3.15pm and 5.15pm Monday to Friday; and 1.15pm and 5.45pm Saturday and Sunday, ideal for families hoping to make the most of the late summer sunshine — with all sessions being weather-dependent.
Stroud District Council's community services and licensing committee chair, councillor Beki Adam, said: 'We
know how much the lido is valued by the community and we want to make the most
of what’s left of the summer, so we have worked with Everyone Active to keep
the lido open until mid-September.
'The sessions are targeted at key times for swimmers, so they can get the most out of the extra two weeks and the lido can be run safely and effectively.'
The pool, which dates back to 1937, requires maintenance every year to keep it open, with the start of the 2023 swimming season being delayed due to technical difficulties.
Friends of Stratford Park Lido also help with maintaining the pool, with volunteers painting the changing rooms and a mural designed by students from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in 2023.
Jess McQuail, Friends of Stratford Park Lido's chair, added: 'We are really delighted that the season has been extended and we look forward to enjoying the last two weeks before it closes for the end of the season. We would like to thank Stroud District Council and Everyone Active for making this happen.'
