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An investment programme bringing new life and vitality to Woking’s Pool in the Park is underway, as part of the Council’s commitment to providing first class community leisure facilities.
The extensive programme of renovation and improvement works, which begun last year, will address a series of structural and operational issues that have affected leisure services for users.
Exciting improvements include the replacement of the pool’s ageing flumes with two new distinctive, family-friendly slides offering a thrilling experience that are scheduled to open in time for the school summer holidays. A complete refurbishment of the existing changing area will also begin in late 2019. The modern and welcoming family-friendly changing facilities will feature improved accessibility and dementia friendly colour schemes which are Changing Places-ready.
Changing Places facilities incorporate equipment such a hoist, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and enough space for carers that enable people with a range of disabilities to use the changing areas safely and comfortably.
Behind the scenes, a new heating and cooling system will ensure the water and ambient temperatures within the pools and building are constant and comfortable, whilst an ongoing overhaul of the building’s roof will secure its long-term future.
Cllr Colin Kemp, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park, said: “We are committed to providing the best leisure facilities possible to our residents. However, I’m fully aware that over the past 18 months, Pool in the Park users have experienced significant disruption that is well below our expectations. This is owing primarily to the age and type of use of the building.
“Since then, we have been working hard behind the scenes with our leisure operator, Freedom Leisure, and our contractors to deliver a range of infrastructure improvements and service enhancements that will support a happy, healthy community that will enable people to be more active more often.”
“With a new heating and cooling system, changing facilities suitable for the whole community and two new water sides, Pool in the Park will be part of the community for years to come.”
Steve May, Freedom Leisure Area Manager, added: “We fully understand that recently, services have fallen below par at Pool in the Park due to ongoing issues beyond our control. However, we are delighted with the investment in Pool in the Park, especially the new changing facilities and exciting new flumes, which will open in time for the school summer holidays.
“We’d like to thank customers for their patience during these ongoing works. Once complete, the new and improved facilities will make a real difference to the customer experience.”
In addition to works to Pool in the Park, Woking Leisure Centre’s male and female changing rooms are scheduled for refurbishment later this year.
Works to the leisure facilities are expected to be complete in 2020.