Riverside outdoor pool and campsite to reopen for the summer season

The Riverside outdoor pool and campsite in Wallingford will reopen for its full summer season from the May bank holiday weekend under Covid-19 safety guidelines.

South Oxfordshire District Council and its leisure contractor GLL have confirmed the news that the campsite and pool will open on their usual opening weekend, following weeks of hard work to ensure the site can be used safely.

The measures put in place mean local residents and visitors will be able to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy the pool and campsite at the picturesque location on the edge of Wallingford Town Centre while keeping themselves and Riverside staff safe. The summer season will come to an end as usual in early September.

This bank holiday will also be the first-time swimmers will have the opportunity to use a fully refurbished surface in the swimming pool area. Last year when Covid guidelines meant the outdoor pool was closed, the district council took the opportunity to carry out the refurbishment to improve the experience for swimmers.

The pool’s reopening is subject to there being no further changes to Covid guidelines, and there are some additional rules, including:

• a reduced capacity for the number of swimmers
• sessions must be booked in advance via the Better UK App
• a one-way route around the changing rooms

Changes at the campsite include:

• a contactless entry and exit
• socially-distanced Pitches
• reduced capacity in the changing block
• increased cleaning by Riverside staff.

While the government’s guidelines have meant it has been possible to prepare the outdoor pool to reopen for the summer season, the splash pads will need to remain closed until 21 June at the earliest.

While they remain closed, the council will be refurbishing the splash pads and waterfall and there will be some new surprises for when the public are allowed to use them again.

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “This is such a popular place for our residents and visitors to have some fun and enjoy the sunshine in Wallingford, and I am so pleased that we are in a position now to reopen it after we had to keep it closed last year due to the pandemic.

“I am expecting the pool and campsite will be in high demand, so don’t forget to book, and please do follow the Covid safety guidelines so everyone can enjoy themselves. We are really keen to give our residents the chance to enjoy their summer this year, as well as hopefully providing an economic boost to Wallingford town centre, but of course keeping everyone safe is a top priority.”