It’s good news for Ryde’s Waterside Community Trust as it reopens the doors to Waterside Pool for the first time since March.
Following months of careful planning to bring the centre up to COVID-secure guidelines, the charity is delighted to welcome back it’s members and the public alike.
Ryde Mayor Michael Lilley, Councillor Wayne Whittle and Waterside Trustees Keith Gentleman and Peter Taylor came together on Friday to re-open the centre and make the first socially distanced splash in the pool.
Councillor Lilley said:
“I am so delighted that Waterside is reopening its doors. It is a jewel in the heart of our Ryde Community that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. We are so lucky to have this facility and especially on a today like today with roof open and the sun beaming in, who wouldn’t want to go in. We must get people exercising again and what better place to do so.”
The Chairman to the Trustees, Georgina Bottriell, also commented:
“It has been an extraordinary time for everyone. We have adapted as the weeks have rolled by to comply with every facet to make the centre covid secure. The Board have worked closely with Todd Miller, our General Manager who has worked extremely hard to ensure every detail has been covered meticulously so our staff and customers alike can enjoy their swim in a safe and secure environment.”
Waterside will be operating a phased return initially offering lanes swims, family swims and some club activities only. Owing to limited capacity during the initial phase all sessions are bookable in advance only. Bookings can be made over the phone 01983 563656, alternatively you can book at reception.
The Trust are anticipating reintroducing other sessions and activities over the course of 2 further phases from September whilst closely monitoring and complying with the government guidelines to ensure they can confidently continue to provide a safe environment for their customers and staff.
Ryde Swimming Club have been given to go ahead from their operator Waterside Community Trust to return to the pool from the 3rd August.
The coronavirus crisis has taken it’s toll on every business and now more than ever Waterside Community Trust are looking for support, especially running at a reduced capacity timetable. They have outlined many ways in which the public can support them on their new support us page at https://www.watersidepool.co.uk/support-us .
