The new splash pad and tennis courts at The Strand Lido and Leisure Park are now officially open following a grand launch day.
First opened in 1896, the Strand Lido in Gillingham has been a favourite leisure destination for generations of Medway families, and has historic credentials as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.
The lido reopened again for the summer season on Saturday, 24 May, but it was an extra special opening day with residents, guests and council leaders gathering for the launch of two brilliant new features.
Cllr Nina Gurung, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, welcomed everyone to the new look tennis courts, which have been renovated along with four in Maidstone Road, Chatham, thanks to a £174,000 project delivered by the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
The grand opening of the newly refurbished tennis courts at The Strand
The project is part of a £30million nationwide investment to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people.
Great facilities for all ages to enjoy
Cllr Gurung said: “Tennis is such a great sport for all ages and abilities, and a brilliant way to socialise, keep fit and have fun – so these courts are a great addition for everyone in Medway.
Alongside the investment, Medway Council and Medway Sport will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites – and I’m really pleased this will include free weekly sessions. The Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions are open to all ages and abilities, and will provide tennis equipment and coaching, which means you don’t need to turn up with your own racket or even a playing partner - so it really will be open to all.
“I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in working on this great project, in particular Medway's Sports team alongside key partner LTA. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible enjoying these courts and having an ace time here!”
A special day for Gillingham
Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan also spoke before the opening, explaining the launch day had personal significance for her.
She said: “As a member of parliament for Gillingham and Rainham I get to open and go to so many events like this, which is always such a pleasure, but this one feels so special because this is where I grew up and I spent so much of my childhood at The Strand.
For me The Strand is such a vital part of our local community , and what I realised is not only is it something etched in my memory where I spent much of my childhood but that is true for so many people.
It’s been such a long time coming but it’s so brilliant to see the investment that’s been put into The Strand by both the government and Medway Council, and more broadly it means the facilities we’ve got here are second to none. I’ve been to so many places across the country and the leisure facilities we’ve got here are not matched. I think it’s something we can really celebrate.”
The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Trevor Clarke, then cut the ribbon to officially open the courts, and the first tennis sessions got underway.
Players enjoying the new courts at The Strand
A fantastic transformation
Following the launch of the tennis courts, Medway Council Leader, Cllr Vince Maple, then spoke before the launch of the Splash Pad – the brand new beach-themed water feature, where children can splash and play for free among more than 30 ground-level sensor-activated water jets.
He explained how the new feature, installed by specialist contractors Fountaineers, had been funded through Section 106 contributions, and thanked all those involved in transforming the area.
Cllr Maple added: “It’s been turned into something fantastic and at no cost to taxpayers.
It’s really important people know that at this time we’re having to make some difficult choices as a council, so being able to work with our development partners through their Section 106 contributions to make this happen is really important.
“I’m incredibly proud of those who always stood up for Gillingham who have made a difference, so from that perspective today is an actual physical example of the difference focussed prioritisation can make, so my personal thank you to everyone who stood up for Gillingham.”
Following the launch, the Splash Pad will be open on weekends until Monday, 21 July, when will then be open daily, 11am to 5pm. No booking is required, but sessions at the Lido must be booked online.
Find out more at Medway.gov.uk/Strand