Oxfordshire
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Pool opens for summer
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| Przemo Kuczera makes a splash |
PEOPLE across Oxford are taking the plunge and splashing out at the city's only open air swimming pool.
Hinksey Pool, in Hinksey Park, off Abingdon Road, has opened for the summer - and swimmers are jumping at the chance to cool off.
Leisure facility manager Lucy Cherry said the sudden rise in temperature coincided with the pool's opening on Bank Holiday Monday, meaning record numbers of visitors.
Miss Cherry said: "We opened the pool on Monday and had 750 swimmers, which is certainly a record for us.
"We estimate that by the end of this week we will have had more than 1,500 swimmers."
"The weather has been fantastic for us, so we have certainly hit the ground running."
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She was especially pleased as the pool was closed for the bulk of last year because of flooding and vandalism.
Last August, vandals had poured an unknown substance into the pool turning the water red.
She said: "Those were really unfortunate incidents, but we do not have any control over the weather or people that want to disrupt other people's fun.
"This is a great facility set in the heart of the city centre in a lovely park that has been awarded Green Flag status. We really want everyone to come out this summer and take advantage of it.
"People can come and sit by the pool and enjoy a picnic, if they do not want to swim."
Miss Cherry said the pool's season would run through to September 28, when the temperatures would start to drop off.
She added: "It is a heated pool, though, so on cold days the pool is usually warmer than the air temperature.
"It's getting out into the cold air that can be a bit shocking."
A day pass to the pool costs £4.70, while early morning sessions, or swims for the last hour are £3.40.
Those under 17 swim for free.
Regular swimmers can get a Hinksey Pool season card, allowing unlimited use, for £113.70.
For more information on opening times, contact 01865 467079.
4:10pm Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: mason, oxford on 6:39pm Fri 9 May 08
Sounds great but what a shame it isnt. I took my kids after school today and had to que for ages to get in because they were only letting in 50 people at a time, one in one out.There capacity is 250 but they didnt have the staff!!
Sounds great but what a shame it isnt. I took my kids after school today and had to que for ages to get in because they were only letting in 50 people at a time, one in one out.There capacity is 250 but they didnt have the staff!!
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