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Lido Ponty Welcomes its 10,000th Visitor

 
 

Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, has welcomed its 10,000th visitor, just two weeks after opening to the public. 

Due to an overwhelming number of people flocking to the Council’s new £6.3m outdoor facility, the magical milestone was reached in 14 days.

Admission to Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, is FREE to all visitors for the 2015 season, with children under the age of 12 and an accompanying adult, who live in the County Borough, being able to access for FREE permanently.

Supply teacher Jayne Rees, of Graigwen, Pontypridd, was the 10,000th person to enter the pools, during her visit to Lido Ponty.

“I just woke up this morning, and thought today is the day I go for a swim at this amazing new facility,” said Mrs Rees.

“Born in Swansea, I moved to Rhondda Cynon Taf 31 years ago and have been a supply teacher right across the County Borough for more than three decades.

“I am so proud to live in the town which is home to such an iconic facility, a facility which is being talked about all around the UK.

“There are only a handful of Lidos in Britain, and we have the National Lido of Wales right here on our doorstep.

“As a Welsh speaker myself, I am overwhelmed and delighted to see all signage and posters bilingual at Lido Ponty.

“It doesn’t really matter what the weather is like, I have been so looking forward to having a swim here – rain or shine, I will definitely become a regular visitor.” 

More than 200 competitors took part in the first-ever Pontypridd Aquathlon at Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, an event organised by the Taff Ely Triathlon Club, in conjunction with Welsh Triathlon Cymru.

Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: “Since we opened Lido Ponty we have seen a huge influx of interest from the public, with most sessions fully booked.

“The children are now back in school but still we are seeing large crowds in our pools throughout the day, with the 3.30pm session and 5.30pm session remaining very popular.

“We have something for everyone at the National Lido of Wales, from lane swimming, relaxed swimming, fun inflatables and childrens’ activities.

“Our interactive Visitor Centre is also proving to be very popular, as is our Waterside Café.”

A special ceremony was held on August 24 to open the Council’s new £6.3m flagship outdoor family attraction, situated in the heart of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.

Lido Ponty was officially opened by Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, Mrs Kate Thomas CVO, JP, in the presence of distinguished guests. Over 100 swimmers entered the gates for the first public swimming in the National Lido of Wales.

Lido Ponty, a Grade II listed building, incorporating its proud past as well as amazing state-of-the-art 21st Century facilities. There are three heated pools, a sun terrace, Visitor Centre, function room available for private hire and indoor and outdoor changing facilities.

Lido Ponty also incorporates Lido Play, a new and exciting childrens’ adventure play area, which will be open all year round.

The restoration of Lido Ponty has been due to £3m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, £2.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a £900,000 contribution from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and a £100,000 contribution from Cadw.

Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, is open daily, seven-days-a-week from 7.30am daily until 7.15pm.

Weekend sessions are 7.30am until 9.30am; 10am until 11.30am; 11.45am until 1.15pm; 1.30pm until 3pm; 3.15pm until 4.45pm; 5pm until 7.15pm.

Weekday sessions (from Monday, September 14) are 7.30 until 9.30am; 9.30am until 3pm; 3.30pm until 5.15pm; 15.30pm until 7.15pm.

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Wedi ei bostio ar Dydd Mercher 11th Tachwedd 2015
 
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