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Free Swim At Lido Ponty In 2016

 
 

In response to the positive impact Lido Ponty achieved for the local economy in 2015, Council Leader Andrew Morgan has confirmed the facility will once again be FREE during 2016. 

Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, will re-open to the public on Good Friday (March 25) until Sunday, April 10. It will then be open fully for the summer season 2016 from Saturday, May 28, until Sunday, September 11. 

Following the popularity of the National Lido of Wales during its opening season in 2015, the Council will continue to offer FREE access during the 2016 season. 

The decision follows positive feedback from traders around the increase in business the Lido delivered for Pontypridd during the summer. 

County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of the Council, said: “Traders in Pontypridd have made it very clear to me that Lido Ponty delivered a noticeable improvement in business when it opened last August. 

“During the 2015 season, over 24,000 people visited Lido Ponty, and in the short time the facility has been open, its popularity demonstrates how residents from across RCT and beyond have embraced the facility and the new play area. 

“When considering the positive impact the facility has made upon the local economy, and the way it has become such a cherished attraction with the public, we have taken the decision to continue with free admission for 2016. 

“We are incredibly fortunate, thanks to the funding the Council was able to secure, to have such a wonderful facility in our County Borough, and to my mind it is only right and proper that as many people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the unique experience on offer at Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales. 

“The decision to continue with free admission does not in any way detract from our ambition to make Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, a regional tourism attraction. 

“We firmly believe that free admission during a full 17-week opening season will deliver this goal much more quickly and will deliver an even greater economic impact locally, with more people coming to Pontypridd and spending their money in the town’s shops, restaurants and cafes. 

“As we promote the facility as a free attraction, we hope that visitors from outside the County Borough will take the opportunity to visit other parts of the County and our other tourism attractions. 

“Free admission will allow us to exploit the maximum tourism and economic potential of Lido Ponty. 

“In addition to free admission, the Council is developing an ambitious range of stand-alone events during the 2016 season. This follows on from the popularity of the Christmas events we held at the Lido. 

“During 2016 we also intend to allow sporting clubs to have greater use of the facility outside of public opening times.” 

Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: “We are delighted to announce that Lido Ponty will be open to the public very soon, with free swimming for all the family. 

“Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, is already well established as a popular attraction in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

“We are no doubt going to have a yet another fun-packed season at the National Lido of Wales, so come and join us during the Easter holidays and throughout the summer months. 

“Where else in Wales are you going to be able to visit a facility such as this - and all free-of-charge?” 

Lido Ponty, a unique family attraction, is the only one of its kind in Wales and is Wales’ premier outdoor pool attraction and adventure play park. 

As well as the opportunity for lane swimming and more relaxed swims, and a Splash Pool for the little ones, there will once again be a whole host of activities on offer at Lido Ponty. 

From fun inflatables to Aqua Scooterz, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walkerz, there is something for everyone. Please note there will be a minimal charge of £2.50 per person for access to activities. 

A Grade II listed lido, it has three heated swimming pools (main pool, activity pool and splash pool) offering great opportunities for families, dedicated swimmers, social swimmers and thrill-seekers of all ages and abilities. 

Features at Lido Ponty include external and internal showers, heated indoor changing facilities, original wooden outdoor changing cubicles and a state-of-the-art Visitors’ Centre which tells the amazing story of The National Lido of Wales.

The Waterside Café, open all year around, offers many mouth-watering delights on its menu for all ages and culinary tastes.

Lido Play, the childrens’ adventure park, captures the imagination of younger visitors as they explore the swings, slides and tunnels in this locally-themed attraction celebrating our industrial past.

Lido Ponty is a result of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s amazing £6.3m restoration project, made possible with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw.

Lido Ponty is set to re-open to the public on Good Friday (March 25) until Sunday, April 10. It will then be open fully for the summer season 2016 from Saturday, May 28, until Sunday, September 11. 

Like the Lido Ponty page on Facebook and follow @LidoPonty on Twitter for all your latest news and updates. 

Wedi ei bostio ar Dydd Mercher 10th Chwefror 2016
 
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