Lido (swimming pool): Difference between revisions
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* [http://www.lidos.org.uk Lidos in the UK] |
* [http://www.lidos.org.uk Lidos in the UK] |
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* [http://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, England] |
* [http://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, England] |
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* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/poolingresources Pooling Resources] |
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/poolingresources Pooling Resources] - a campaigning group for reopening closed lidos and indoor pools |
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* [http://savebroomhillpool.org The Broomhill Pool Trust] |
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* [http://www.seasidehistory.co.uk/lidos.html Seaside History: Lidos] |
* [http://www.seasidehistory.co.uk/lidos.html Seaside History: Lidos] |
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Revision as of 08:18, 28 September 2009
A lido, in the United Kingdom and some other countries, refers to a public outdoor swimming pool and surrounding facilities, or part of a beach where people can swim, lie in the sun or participate in water sports.
On a cruise ship, outdoor pools and the surrounding facilities are referred to as the lido deck.
The term lido comes from Lido di Venezia on the sandy barrier beach that encloses the Lagoon of Venice, where sea-bathing took place from the later nineteenth century.
History in the UK
The golden age of new lidos was in the 1930s, when swimming became very popular, and 169 were built across the UK as recreational facilities by local councils.[1][2] Many closed when foreign holidays (vacations) became less expensive, and local lidos were snubbed as "naff", but the remaining lidos have a dedicated following of supporters.
Four examples of open lidos are Saltdean_Lido in Sussex, Tooting Bec Lido in South London, Jesus Green Swimming Pool in Cambridge and Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham. There were numerous lidos (particularly in London and the south-west), but hundreds have closed in the UK in recent years.
In 2005 a major breakthrough in lido revival took place when English Heritage published Liquid Assets - the lidos and open air pools of Britain, produced as part of the "Played in Britain" series. Author Janet Smith had spent years researching (and swimming in) lidos around the country and her book explored the past, present and future of open air pools. This, in turn led to two major conferences in 2006: "Reviving Lidos" and "Making a Splash".
Although there have been many setbacks, long-running campaigns have resulted in some important successes: In October 2006 London Fields Lido re-opened in Hackney after a campaign lasting nearly 20 years; Droitwich Spa Lido has also re-opened after a six year battle by the group SALT (Save a Lido Today); Brockwell Park Lido celebrated its 70th Birthday (1937–2007) on 10 July; Clifton Lido reopened in 2008;[3] Wood Green Pool in Banbury reopened in 2009.[4]
On-going campaigns include: reopening Broomhill Pool, Ipswich and the Cleveland Pools (at Hampton Row in Bath) (here the historic Grade II* listed baths, which date back to 1815, are believed to be the oldest surviving public outdoor swimming pools in the country.)
Pronunciation
How is lido pronounced?
It may be pronounced lie-doe or lee-doe, either is acceptable in the Queen's English. In Italy it's pronounced lee-doe (= Italian word). [5]
See also
References
- ^ Alexandra Buxton (26 July 2003). "Sea change". The Guardian.
- ^ "London Lido For Children Proposed Schemes For Parks, L.C.C. Programme". The Times. Dec 06, 1937. p. 18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Suburb's Victorian lido reopens". BBC News. 24 November 2008.
The pool water is heated by solar panels on the roof. The Victorian Clifton Lido in Bristol has reopened after two decades and a £2m revamp.
- ^ Sam Mcgregor (4th August 2009). "Banbury Lido makes late comeback".
The £1.5m refurbishment included altering the depth levels, upgrading the water circulation system and improving the overall appearance of the pool.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Smith, J., Liquid Assets. English Heritage, 2006.
Bibliography
- Janet Smith, (2006). Liquid assets: the lidos and open air swimming pools of Britain. English Heritage. ISBN 0954744500.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
External links
- Lidos in the UK
- Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, England
- Pooling Resources - a campaigning group for reopening closed lidos and indoor pools
- Seaside History: Lidos
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