42-47 COMMUNITY POOLS:SPN Master pages 12/9/08 22:32 Page 6
spnfeature
THIS: Access to the pool for the disabled was an important part of the
plans set out within the community
OPPOSITE: Arqualand’s arched see -through roof has already gained
admirers from within the Highworth community
Recreation Centre Charitable Trust the sports hall and the squash
courts are owned by Swindon Council.
Both sides of the pool building retract, opening onto sun
terraces, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing family day out.
When the weather cools, the 25m pool is fully enclosed under a
domed roof, providing a comfortable swimming environment.
George Tait, 71, travelled up from Bournemouth to visit the pool
his Highworth relatives had told him so much about.
“I wanted to see what all the fuss is about,” he said.
“Ireallylikeitanditisgreatthatitisindoorsbecauseitstopsolder
peoplelikemegettingcoldwhentheygetinandoutofthepool.”
But for George the pool signifies something a lot more essential
for a small community like Highworth.
“Our pool closed down in Bournemouth and the kids have been
misbehaving ever since,” he said.
“We have seen a rise in crime and graffiti and a lot more of this
anti-social behaviour.
“I’m not saying that is a problem in Highworth but this gives
the younger people a place to go and have fun and keeps them
out of trouble.”
George’s 13-year-old great niece Emily Soule said she had barely
set foot out of the pool since she arrived.
“I was in the pool for at least 90 minutes before I got out,”
she said.
“Afriendofminewasinthereforfourhoursonthedayitopened.
Dad Colin, 50, said the newly improved pool was the result of a
huge community effort.
He said: “I have lived in the town for 22 years and have seen the
affection for the pool as well as the efforts to see it restored.
“We have helped in the fundraising efforts and I think you’d be
hard pressed to find someone that hasn’t.”
The four-lane tiled pool includes an arch-shaped translucent roof
with sides that open on warm days and a 1m springboard, 3m
46 swimming pool news OCTOBER 08
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