The first swimmers of the season made a real splash at the opening of Nantwich’s outdoor pool.
The Wall Lane pool, the only one of its kind in the area, was officially opened for 2011 by Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Gordon Baxendale at a ceremony on Saturday (May 14).
Cllr Baxendale was joined by former Crewe Alexandra winger Rodney Jack, currently on the books of Nantwich Town FC, to mark the start of this year’s outdoor pool season, which runs until October 2.
Two of the first to jump in were Jenny Zwijnen and Nicola Joyce, who both arrived to train for upcoming outdoor swimming events, including a solo channel crossing later this year.
The outdoor pool on Wall Lane first opened to the public in 1935 and the pool water temperature is maintained at 74°F, although, due to the sun’s heat, it is usually much warmer.
Cheshire East Council’s Head of Health and Wellbeing services Guy Kilminster said: “I am pleased to say the opening of the outdoor pool was a success and I am grateful to all the guests who made it on the day.
“This is now a great chance for our residents to cool off during the summer months. It has been popular with swimmers for more than 70 years and I hope that people will visit again this year to experience swimming in the open air.”
There was also a small exhibition and public consultation on a public art project to take place at the pool.
As part of a scheme to redesign and expand the front entrance of the pool to make it more accessible – funded from the government Swim Free capital project – there is also to be an art installation involving residents.
On Saturday, the shortlisted artists presented their ideas to visitors of the pool who were able to vote on their preferred design.
For more information on the pool and its opening times, visit www.everybody.org.uk
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