Ryde's Waterside Pool will mark half a century of serving the community later this month.
Waterside Pool was opened by the ‘Worshipful Mayor of Ryde Alderman R.V. Bourne’ on 24 August 1973 with funding from the then Municipal Borough of Ryde.
Named the ‘Esplanade Bathing Pools’ It opened during hot weather in the middle of the busy summer season and was an instant success.
When they first opened, the ‘Bathing Pools’ comprised an open air trio, the present 25m swimming pool, a smaller learner pool and an even smaller paddling pool.
Waterside, despite its weather dependency, was hugely popular and many local children learned to swim with a number progressing to be lifeguards for the next generation of learners.
Local Government reorganisation in 1974 led to the pools being run successfully as a civic amenity by Medina Borough Council.
A new retractable roof was added in 1994 - meaning a year round facility was born and operated by the new Isle of Wight Council’s Leisure Services team.
Sadly, hard times were to follow and as a money saving exercise the Learner Pool and Paddling Pool were filled in and concreted over although new more efficient dual fuel boilers were installed.
In 2009 the Isle of Wight Council announced spending cuts and the pool was scheduled to close in 2010.
It was at that point the swimming pool’s fortunes began to change. At a fractious public meeting a small group emerged to try to save the pool from closure.
In 2017 the Trust became a registered charity and, aided by Ryde Town Council and a Government grant, built a strong relationship with local government officers at County Hall.
Todd Miller, who was appointed General Manager in 2016, said:
“Waterside Pool is an essential leisure provision for the Island, which is evident by its 50 years of loyal service, with the Centre busier than ever.
"It is rare for a pool to survive finically as a stand alone facility, which is why continued financial support is essential to its future.
"We cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support of the Centre, and we hope the Centre is able to deliver a further 50 years of service to its community.”
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