Stroud’s cherished outdoor pool, Stratford Park Lido, is set to reopen this Saturday, August 15, much to the delight of local residents who campaigned passionately to save it.
Earlier this year, the lido was declared unsafe for use, leading Stroud District Council to initially announce it would remain closed for the season due to extensive long-term repairs required. However, following strong public opposition, councillors agreed to allocate £476,000 for urgent maintenance work, enabling the pool to reopen this summer.
Save Our Lido Stroud (SOLS), the volunteer group dedicated to preserving this historic 1930s open-air pool, expressed their enthusiasm for the reopening after months of community activism.
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Caroline Molloy, who spearheaded the SOLS campaign, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has shown up, helped spread the word, and demonstrated to the council how important it is to look after our lido and keep it open.
“We feel fortunate to have our outdoor pool and such a supportive community. This reopening is thanks to everyone who emailed councillors, took part in flash mobs, waved placards, signed petitions, put up posters, attended council meetings, donated towards the mural, and more.
“We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the pool over the next six weeks – let’s show the lido some love!”
Looking ahead, council chiefs have pledged to borrow £900,000 for comprehensive long-term improvements, pending councillor approval at a future meeting.
Political leaders from across the spectrum at Ebley Mill united in thanking the community, council staff, members of the public, and contractor Beard Construction, whose weekend work overcame weather-related challenges including heavy rain and extreme heat to ensure the pool opened on schedule.
Chloe Turner, Green Party leader, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome swimmers back to Stratford Park Lido this weekend. The lido is a treasured part of our district’s heritage and community life, and we know residents will be delighted by its reopening.”
Labour group leader Katy Hofmann added: “Thanks to everyone who supported efforts to reopen the lido. We look forward to seeing people enjoying the facility once again.”
Conservative Group Leader Lindsey Green highlighted the collaborative effort: “Thank you to everyone-the community, council staff, councillors, and partners-who made this possible.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Linda Cohen noted: “This reopening is an important milestone. Work has already started to explore the best model for the lido’s future.”
To celebrate, SOLS and Stroud District Council have organised a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and live music. On August 15, activities include music, the unveiling of a new mural, and family events at the lido forecourt. The council’s Active Lifestyles team will also host a gazebo featuring games, goody bags, and colouring sheets until midday.
Visitors can enjoy a new café selling snacks and drinks located beside the entry kiosk, facing the pool. The 55-yard pool has had its tank relined at both ends and repainted, the pool pump refurbished, and walls and paving repointed. A mural painted by campaigners adorns the entrance, while the baby and toddler pool has also been refurbished. To ensure safety, temporary fencing has been installed around unprotected drops, kept lower than originally planned and decorated with bunting.
Please note, parking on site is limited, and visitors are encouraged to consider car sharing, walking, cycling, or using public transport where possible for ease of access.
The lido’s opening hours from Saturday are as follows: 9am to 11am for lane swimming, 11am to 2pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm for public swimming, and late lane swimming from 5:45pm to 6:45pm. On Sunday, August 16, there will be DJs playing by the pool all day, with lane swimming from 10am to 10:45am, public swimming from 11am to 2pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm, and lane swimming from 5:45pm to 6:45pm.
Council chiefs aim to extend the pool’s open season into September where possible, depending on weather, demand, and operational factors.
Originally opened in 1937, the unheated, spring-fed outdoor pool nestled in Stratford Park has been a beloved feature of Stroud summers for generations, offering a unique open-air swimming experience.
A 2017 public consultation involving Stroud District Council, Stroud Town Council, and the Friends of the Lido group identified ‘Stratford Park Lido’ as the most popular name, which has been used ever since.