News / Eastville Park
Petition launched to make vision for lido in park a reality
A petition has been launched which could finally make proposals for a new open-air community swimming pool and cafe in Eastville Park a reality.
Local residents behind the proposals say the plans will offer an inclusive space for the surrounding community to enjoy.
Plans for the new lido were first revealed by Bristol24/7 in 2021, but after a number of community consultations, campaigners have now launched a new petition to push forward their latest plans.
is needed now More than ever
Proposals for a cafe linking the swimming pool and play area – photo: Eastville Park Lido CiC
Bristol Lido in Clifton and Henleaze Swimming Club, who swim outdoors at Henleaze Lake, have large waiting lists for members.
The proposed new lido in Eastville Park would offer an affordable outdoor pool which is accessible to everyone in the community, with one-off visits costing £4 to £5, with discounts, and seasonal memberships costing between £60 and £80.
Eastville Park is currently home to a disused swimming pool, but attempts to revive the space over the years – including a community garden in the 1980s and more recently, Insane Root Theatre Company’s outdoor theatre productions – have failed to materialise, and a spate of vandalism prompted the council to lock the gates.
The proposed location for the new pool is a second bowling green located in the recreational area of Eastville Park, which petition organisers say is currently underused.
Residents behind the campaign say the current second bowling green is underused – photo: Mia Vines Booth
Situated next to tennis and basketball courts and a children’s play area, the site is well connected to nearby public transport and cycle and scooter parking, and to mains water.
Lido campaigners say it is the most accessible, sustainable, and inexpensive option, after holding a number of consultations and events with the local community over the last four years.
The new pool would be located next to the park’s recreational facilities – photo: Mia Vines Booth
The lido would be managed by local people, and organisers are encouraging school groups, community groups, Muslim women’s groups, groups of disabled swimmers to join.
The proposals would enable a space for the community to swim in light of growing evidence of the benefits of outdoor swimming.
“Our local rivers and seas are polluted with sewage, and North-East Bristol is chronically underserved with swimming facilities as the local indoor pools are reaching the end of their life,” say petition organisers.
“Outdoor swimming is having a resurgence and has proven health benefits, and there is an urgent need to prepare for the needs of future generations.
“We believe that a community-run outdoor pool in Eastville Park will have a deeply positive impact on our community, by providing affordable, welcoming swimming facilities to promote health and well-being, encourage cross-community engagement, and preserve our natural heritage.”
The group launched their vision on Change.org on Monday, in the hopes of inspiring Bristol City Council and funders to support the proposals.
A talk by Design West on the value of outdoor swimming is taking place at the Arnolfini on June 29.
Main image: Eastville Park Lido CIC
Read next:
- New lido could be built in Eastville Park
- Design reveals what lido in Bristol harbour could look like
- Sewage spill at popular swimming spot reignites calls for change in law
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