Swimmers will be able to keep swimming for almost an additional three weeks at Letchworth’s popular outdoor pool, following a petition that showed overwhelming support for extending the season.
The pool is owned by North Herts Council and operated by Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL). It is scheduled to open on 28 May and the extension will mean that rather than closing on 11 September, it will remain open until 30 September this year.
Local campaigner, Sue Foster, presented her petition with over 1370 signatures to North Herts Councillors at a Full Council meeting on 20 Jan and worked closely with officers to agree on plans for the 2022 season.
Following further meetings with Sue and the Leisure team at North Herts Council the following has been agreed:
- Letchworth outdoor pool will remain open for almost three additional weeks on a reduced timetable (open all day Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: two sessions running on from 07.00-11.00 and 15.30-18.30).
- To reduce energy consumption the heating will be turned off on 18 September. The water should remain at an ambient temperature so it is comfortable to swim in.
- During the last week of extended opening, SLL will look to run an introduction to ‘open water’ swim sessions.
SLL are also planning a series of events to take place during the season including a family fun day and triathlon events.
The Hitchin outdoor pool will open later one evening a week. More details will be available soon.
The three week extension is being trialled at Letchworth initially this year, with usage being closely monitored so that we can evaluate its success.
Sarah Kingsley, Service Director – Place, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Letchworth outdoor pool will have an extended season this year. We know that many people love outdoor swimming because it is not only great fun but also good for body and mind.
“We are trialling the extension this year so that we can provide swimmers with more opportunities to use the pool while the weather allows, so please do make use of this great opportunity and fantastic facility.
“We would like to give a huge thanks to Sue Foster and everyone who have given us their feedback.”
Sue Foster said: “I’m delighted that Letchworth outdoor pool will be opening for longer this summer so we can have more open-air swimming.
“I want to thank NHC and SLL for listening to us and for taking the time to have discussions on the matter. They have suggested some great ideas for various events which I’m sure will be welcomed by the swimming community. I’d also like to thank everyone who signed the petition and took the time to contact me with their ideas.
“It’s really important that we swimmers support the extra opening weeks at Letchworth, and the late night at Hitchin, because if it’s successful I hope it may lead to both pools opening earlier and longer next season.”
For more information on opening times and prices visit: Letchworth Outdoor Pool (sll.co.uk)
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