Abbey Meadow outdoor pool reopens 16 June
25th May, 2018
Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon, will reopen this June after a £1.3m refurbishment.
The last Bank Holiday weekend in May often signifies the opening of lidos across the country and this year is no different, but what to look out for this summer is the outdoor pools reopening after investment.
Abbey Meadow pool will open Saturday, 16 June starting it’s summer season with a special opening event before opening the pool to the general public from 1pm. The Vale of White Horse District Council has invested in the rebuilding, which has included joining two pools to create a single large one. The new pool features a beach-style gently sloping walk-in area that provides easy access for young children and for visitors with disabilities. There is also a deep water area for more experienced swimmers. The changing areas have also been fully refurbished to make the whole experience much more enjoyable for all visitors.
“It’s so fantastic to see how this much-loved local pool has been transformed,” says Cllr Charlotte Dickson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Vale of White Horse District Council. “We have made a significant investment to upgrade the outdoor pool and the wider Abbey Meadow area, and now these facilities are more enjoyable and accessible than ever. I’m sure there will be smiles on everybody’s faces when we open again on 16 June.”
The council is appealing for people to send in old pictures of Abbey Meadow pool which could feature in a special picture display at the re-opening event. A free swim is on offer for anybody who submits a picture that is used in the display. There has been an open air pool in Abingdon since the 1880s. The present pool was dug in the 1950s. Initially it was a cold water pool (it was not heated until the 1970s) but despite this, it was used by town schools for children’s swimming lessons until 1976.
For more information visit abingdonoutdoorpool.org.uk