The Strand Grand Opening and Big Splash is a launch and celebration of all the activities we have available in the park and lido this year.
Timetable of events at The Strand
- 10am to 2pm - Meet our Child Friendly mascot Mojo, the sea creature from the River Medway as they takes a leisurely stroll around the park
- 10am to 2pm - Meet Perry, the RLSS Mascot, as they take a water-safety stroll around the park
- 10am to 3pm - Water safety advice and Rookie Lifeguard taster sessions from The City of Rochester Lifesaving Society and RLSS UK
- 10.30am - Official opening of the brand-new tennis courts with Kentish (Cliffe Woods to be precise) strawberries and cream from Myatts of Mockbeggar.
- 10.30am - The Strand Lido summer 2025 opening
- 10.30am to 11.30am - Family Fun Tennis Session: meet our new tennis coach for The Strand, 'Katie B’s Tennis in the Park', and work together as a family team to take part in fun and active tennis challenges – rolling, throwing, hitting and more! Perfect for all ages and abilities
- 10.30am to 3pm - Kent Crusaders Basketball Club drop-in and play sessions. Join coaches from Kent Crusaders Basketball for skills and drills
- 11am - Official opening of the brand-new splash pad
- 11.30am to 12pm - Cardio Tennis Taster Session. Join 'Katie B' on the courts for high-energy, fun, and social workout for all ages and abilities
- 12pm - Family Zumba in the Park. Join our Cozenton Park Sports Centre guest Zumba instructor for some fun moves with all the family
- 1.30pm to 2.30pm - pool closed to public
- 3.30pm to 5pm - Tennis Drills and Skills with tennis coach Dan James to get you started and take to the practice court. Dan will coach the fundamentals to players giving you the tools to practice with friends and family. We will close the session with friendly Team Tennis Matches that includes medals and certificates. Suitable for ages 12+
- All day - Take a trip on the infamous Strand miniature railway (£2 per ride)
- All day - take one of our kayaks for a leisurely float around the 350m lazy river.
Times and activities are subject to change.
More about tennis
Over the last few months we’re been busy refurbishing the tennis courts to improve the facilities for every player. The project is part of a £174,158.34 investment by the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation to renovate 8 tennis courts at The Strand in Gillingham and Maidstone Road Sports Ground in Chatham.
We're delighted to confirm that the new courts will be open from Saturday 24 May.
The new courts have been fully refurbished to ensure they can be enjoyed by players of all abilities for years to come. Alongside the investment, Medway Council and Medway Sport will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites. This will include regular organised Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience. Tennis equipment will be provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket.
As well as regular Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, the refurbished courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it's now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
More about the splash pad
The beach-themed water feature will have more than 30 ground-level sensor-activated water jets to splash, play and soak in the fun.
The works have been funded through Section 106 contributions. The splash pad has been designed and installed by specialist contractors Fountaineers and will be suitable for children aged 3 to 11 years old.
It's free for eligible children (no booking required).
Booking
Booking is only required for activities taking place within The Strand Lido. You can make a booking in advance:
- Premier Members: 15 days in advance
- other gym members: 10 days in advance
- non-members: 7 days in advance.