Revamped Ponds Forge Proves Popular!
Surf City leisure pool at Ponds Forge re-opened this week with a broader activity timetable packed with a host of new sessions and it got off to a great start with a sold-out Little Swimmers session for under 5s.
The pool re-opened on Monday 31 January with a full programme of sessions that includes social swims, leisure swims, ladies only swim, mobility swim, accessible swim and a dementia friendly swim which is a quieter session for those living with dementia and their carers.
Andrew Snelling, our Chief Executive said: “It’s great to welcome everyone back to Ponds Forge and see how well it is being received. On Saturday we invited some of the community groups we work with to come and have a sneak preview and try out the new facilities.
“It was evident from the excited chatter and laughter around the pool that everyone had a great time and bookings have taken off with a lot of sessions already sold out over the next week.”
The leisure pod which is a smaller pool next to the main pool has had a new custom-made disabled hoist installed and this pool sits alongside the baby and toddler pool which has shallow water and includes a mini slide and interactive sensory wall.
A faster flowing lazy river with new brightly coloured rings available in two sizes was well received as was the more powerful wave machine that has six different settings that make you feel like you really are in the Mediterranean Ocean.
Darnall Education and Sports Academy (DESA) were one of the community groups invited to Saturday’s sneak preview and brought along around 100 people. Abdul Malik from DESA said: “We DESA, would like to sincerely thank Sheffield City Trust for the opportunity for 100 of our members to enjoy the pre-opening of the leisure pool at Ponds Forge.
“It was a memorable experience for many that have not been before and so many young people from different backgrounds coming together was the highlight of a wonderful afternoon.”
The refurbishment work, agreed with Sheffield City Council, included a significant amount of works to the plant equipment that powers the features in addition to the installation of new features and cosmetic alterations to the pool hall area.
The leisure pool re-opening has also created extra slots for lane swimming in the 50m competition pool. Prices remain the same as before the closure and all sessions can be booked online. Concessions are available depending on your circumstances please check out our website for details.