VISITORS at an open morning at Petersfield Open Air Pool braved a cold water dip despite the chilly weather.
New manager Deborah Mitchell was on hand to chat about the facilities at the historic pool and what is on offer to swimmers over the summer. Season tickets were snapped up too.
The pool, which is to be officially opened this Saturday at 10.30am with a ribbon cutting ceremony, now has a bistro-style cafe with new tables and chairs and WiFi access.
The pool in the Festival Hall car park will, for the first time, not close for lunch but will be open all day, with new all-day tickets available.
Last year’s lack of sunshine over the summer took its toll on visitor numbers –? leading to ‘use it or lose it’ pleas by the committee –? but it is hoped this year’s will be much more buoyant.
The team of volunteers there have been getting the pool ready for swimmers and essential maintenance work has been carried out, including the installation of new boilers.
These will be more efficient, with savings made passed on to swimmers.
The 25m pool is a charity, with all income from ticket sales and donations going towards its upkeep. It was set up in 1962 to provide a safe and clean alternative to the Heath pond for the young people of the town. It is open seven days a week from April until September.
There is a toddlers’ pool, hot and cold showers, and sun loungers to hire. Drinks, snacks and ice-creams are available.
Visit www.petersfieldpool.org and the pool’s Facebook page for more details