AS part of this year’s National Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 14, the Friends of Otley Lido (FoOL) are taking part by offering up a rare glimpse behind the scenes.
In 1924 Otley Baths - as it was known at the time - opened in Wharfemeadows Park. The National Heritage Open Day encourages old buildings to allow visitors to see behind the everyday activities of such places.
Otley Baths’ heyday was in the 1960s, when visitors came from far and wide to take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool. During the 1980s and 90s it’s population waned in line with national trends across the country. When the need for repairs to the 100x40ft outdoor pool became too much, it sadly closed in 1993.
A revival in recent years has seen an increased awareness of, and activity in, outdoor swimming and pools have been restored and opened across the UK.
FoOL - a Community Interest Company - formed in late 2015 with the aim of regenerating the old Otley Lido and returning outdoor swimming opportunities to the town. After establishing the CIC, and following a successful crowdfunding campaign, FoOL has commissioned a sport and leisure consultant and architect to develop viable proposals for regenerating the site and producing associated outline business plans.
Leonie Sharp, Chair of the Friends of Otley Lido said: “The lido provided generations of Otley residents and visitors with happy memories of summer visits to swim and play in the unheated pool. FoOL has collated memories and photographs from over the years.
“We invite you to immerse yourself in both and take in a guided tour of the site. Alternatively, visitors are welcome to undertake a DIY tour at their own pace - supporting resources shall be available to enhance this experience."
She added: "In the centenary year of the baths' opening, FoOL are delighted to welcome visitors to both enjoy the rich heritage of the site - and Otley Riverside more generally - and engage with us about proposals for the site.”
This will be a free family event (dogs are also welcome) but the site is derelict and in some parts, inaccessible, these areas will be well signposted or cordoned off.
The Open Day will take place: Saturday, September 14 between 10am and 4pm with guided tours available every hour from 10.15am onwards until 3.15pm and will last approximately 30 minutes. Self-guided tours will also be available with supported resources.
For more information visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/otley-lido.html
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