Stroud’s beloved outdoor swimming pool, Stratford Park Lido, is set to reopen on August 15 following essential safety renovations. After a significant investment of £476,000 by Stroud District Council, the historic 1937 lido is on track to offer a refreshing dip to locals and visitors alike this summer.
Council officials revealed that work on the pool is progressing well, despite some additional repairs uncovered during refurbishment, including necessary fixes to the pool floor. Fortunately, the filter system’s lining remains intact, allowing funds to focus on priority safety upgrades without delaying reopening plans.
Looking ahead, the council intends to keep the lido open well into September, based on factors such as weather, visitor numbers, and operational needs. This extension aims to compensate for the delayed start to the season and provide swimmers with more opportunities to enjoy the facility.
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Campaigners from Save Our Lido Stroud have welcomed the announcement and are actively advocating for longer opening hours—from 10 am to 7 pm—and the removal of the current booking system, which some say limits access. They also propose maintaining early morning lane swims and dedicating a swimming lane along the pool’s side throughout the day.
Beyond reopening, the campaign group envisions enhanced community engagement and new amenities to revitalize the lido’s role in Stroud. Their wishlist includes a café, evening events, swimming clubs, exercise sessions in the surrounding park, film nights, youth-focused activities, dog swims, a portable sauna, and possibly even a slide.
“We are not looking for grand projects right now,” the group stated. “This is a moment to engage with the diverse community—those who fought to save the lido, those eager to swim again, and former visitors we hope to welcome back. The pool’s reopening this summer is the perfect opportunity to ignite this engagement and build the energy needed for its restoration and success for the next 90 years.”
A council spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about ongoing collaboration with community groups, including Save Our Lido Stroud, through the lido working group. Many of the campaign’s suggestions are already under consideration as the council finalizes operational plans.
They confirmed that preparations are also underway to reopen the children’s pool this season and highlighted a commitment to partnering with local groups to celebrate the lido’s return.
Historically, Stratford Park Lido’s season spanned from late May to early September, but this year’s refurbishment posed some unique challenges due to the pool’s age. Despite these, the council remains focused on a safe, timely reopening and broader plans to ensure the lido’s long-term future.
“The community’s passion for the lido has been extraordinary,” the spokesperson added. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back and continuing meaningful conversations about how best to preserve and enhance this treasured facility.”