After nearly a century of summers by the pool, Old South crestfallen over loss of landmark
Built in 1927, the Thames Park Pool kept generations of Londoners cool in the summer
After almost a century of bringing joy and keeping people cool in the heat of the summer, news of the Thames Park Pool's recommended closure was met with disappointment and sadness from generations of people in London's Wortley Village.
A report published Wednesday at London city hall recommended the 96-year-old pool be decommissioned because of ongoing structural concerns and the hefty $238,500 worth of repair bills the Thames pool has cost the city since 2016.
On Wortley Road, under a blue sky, most were crestfallen about the recommendation to close the beloved landmark.
"I think it's wrong," said Martha Mattice. "Everyone, even the east end, come out to this pool, so why take it away from them?
"I've had my grandchildren there, and it's a great place.," she said. "The kids need a pool, don't take that away from them."
"It's sad. It's a very popular community place," said Maisie Knivela, who said she used the pool for years to escape the summer heat.
"I swim at the Thames Pool every summer until they closed it for repairs," said Elizabeth Iles. "To swim there it's so beautiful, the trees are all around. You don't really feel like you're in a pool, you feel like you're in nature."
"They better find a place for another pool in Worley Village, Old South."
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