Jubilee Park leads health and fitness fightback

Keeping the open air heated swimming pool maintained during lockdown meant it was one of only three lidos able to open on July 11 and the only one in the country to offer general swimming sessions from the start (not just lane swimming).

It was also one of the first to bring back aquacise classes and swimming lessons.

To meet Covid-19 restrictions, numbers are strictly limited and timed slots must be booked online in advance.

Such has been the demand that every swimming place has been taken.

Trustee Amarylis Midgley said: “The recent refurbishment of the poolside buildings, completed just as lockdown began, meant that Jubilee Park was ideally set up to offer a safe swimming environment with current restrictions in mind.

“New poolside showers and outside cubicles and toilets with outside access were all designed to be easy to clean and sanitize.”

Staff were pleased to welcome back familiar faces to the fitness suite when it opened in July too, all keen to continue their fitness journey.

Feedback on the organisation of the sessions has been very positive and members say they feel safe whilst exercising.

New members wishing to book in for their free induction can register their interest on www.jpws.co.uk, they will then be contacted to arrange a convenient time.

Fitness suite personnel are continually reviewing how they operate, strictly following government guidance, listening to members and adapting procedures if possible.

All available sessions can be booked via the Clubright app, however if active members are experiencing problems with this please contact Dave Anderson on [email protected].

Dave and the rest of the fitness team are doing everything they can to make visits feel as normal as possible whilst keeping everyone safe.

He said: “We want to thank everyone who has supported us.”

All the park’s facilities are now open, including the public toilets, and the pool season is being extended through September.

However, it is not all good news.

A whole season of planned events have had to be cancelled.

Restrictions on numbers mean restrictions on income and the visitor revenue only just covers the cost of keeping the facility open.

Trustee Jon Finley said: “The staff have been superb in coping with this unprecedented challenge.

“But, like many other normally viable and sustainable businesses, we are on a financial knife edge.

“The long closure and current restrictions have prevented us replacing the reserves used to support our refurbishment project and payments for the refurbishment loans and coronavirus business support loans still have to be met.”

Jubilee Park is a self-supporting charity and the trustees are working tirelessly in applying for grants to help the park through the current crisis.

They are appealing to the community to keep their eyes and ears open and forward details of any potential funding.

Buying a Jubilee Park souvenir - A2 size posters or beach towel - is one way to support the park.

The posters cost £12 and the large beach towel is £20.

Both are available from the pool reception, via the website shop www.jpws.co.uk or pop into Lily’s clothes shop in Woodhall Spa, where owner Emma is stocking them for the park.

Offers of fundraising have also been welcomed.