Unique Victorian lido with outdoor lazy river to reopen with new £250k splash zone
THE only remaining riverside tidal lido in the UK is reopening soon with a new 'splash' feature following a £250,000 refurbishment.
The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham, in Kent, has reopened with a new splash pad.
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The lido's new splash pad is designed for children between three and 11-years-old.
The new water feature has 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area, as well as new bins and railings.
The existing paddling pool has reopened, too.
Overall, the leisure complex includes an outdoor leisure pool, six 25-metre lanes for swimming, a 300-metre lazy river, a café and play areas.
There is also a pool inflatable shop on site, a poolside cafe, changing areas and toilets.
The Strand Park, more widely, is home to a miniature train ride, four newly refurbished tennis courts, an outdoor gym, riverside walks, a picnic area and access to the pebbled beach area.
The Strand originally opened in 1896 and is now the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.
Last year it was officially recognised as being 'historically significant' after gaining membership to Historic Pools of Britain.
Speaking previously, Councillor Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure, said: "We are proud to have invested in this exciting project to improve the already great offering and add a brand-new fun feature for our children and families to enjoy both this summer and for years to come."
To access the pools, sessions need to be booked online.
Adult admission costs £7.20, whilst it costs £4.75 for juniors and seniors.
According to Clare Short, from Historic Pools of Britain, The Strand Lido is a "pool that epitomises the spirit of lidos as a place for fun and wellbeing, which it has been providing to its community and visitors for over 120 years, and that is historically significant as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country."
In addition, the pool is Medway's only open air swimming pool or lido.
After heading to the lido last year, one visitor said: "[Strand Lido] felt a bit like being on holiday and the kids loved it.
"We played in the lovely park after and done the little train ride - kids enjoyed that.
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"The fair was on too. [It] was as a nice little day out and local too."
Another added: "Just loved this place so much to entertain our two-year-old. [A] sand pit, train, swings, slides, paddling pool, pebbles, water … everything a little person could want."
Plus, the European ‘pleasure island’ with lido, flumes and wave pool gets new TUI flights from the UK.
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