Roundhay Park, The 'Lido' and view of rear of the Dam
In 1907 a lido (open air swimming pool) was constructed, which was later rebuilt in the 1930's. The site of which can be seen clearly from the aerial vantage point on top of the dam.
During its height of popularity through the 1950's, up to 120,000 people used the pool annually. In the late 1970's with dwindling visitor numbers and rising maintenance costs the pool was closed and filled in. It is still affectionately remembered by local residents.
As part of the Park Restoration works a new car park was constructed, allowing parking and then access to the Park via the track leading past the right hand side of the dam, or for those preferring a healthy climb - head straight up the incline to be greeted by a spectacular view of the lake from the Dam top.
The area of Roundhay, Leeds in the thirteenth century was a three square mile hunting park for the DeLacy family of Pontefract Castle.
The entire estate was purchased by the City of Leeds in 1872 and opened as a public park by His Royal Highness Prince Arthur on the 19th of September 1872.
At the time, the then Lord Mayor of Leeds John Barran was ridiculed for buying a 'White Elephant' - in that the park was too far out of the city for the majority of the population to enjoy, and in any event the park had just one access road - an old 'turnpike' road dating from 1808.
The park was seen as a reckless waste of ratepayers money - critics even published a booklet under the title: 'The Big White Elephant' in 1879.
In June 1907 an open air swimming pool 'lido' opened, at a cost of just over £1,600, it was built mainly by unemployed citizens. During the 1950's and 1960's about 100,000 people a year visited the Roundhay 'swimming baths'.
Roundhay Park comprises over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland. The Park includes scented gardens for the blind, National Plant Collections, Canal Gardens, the Monet and Alhambra Gardens, plus Tropical World which attracts visitors all year round. Newly opened for 2005 is the Friends Garden, located alongside Canal Gardens and the Rainbow Garden.
Woodpeckers, common warblers in spring and summer, mute swans, visiting whooper swans, great-crested grebes and herons can all be found at the park.
The Upper Lake is maintained as a wildlife area, and the larger Waterloo Lake is used for fishing. The Roundhay Park Arena is a natural amphitheatre which provides the venue for many special events ranging from sports days to major pop concerts and the spectacular bonfire and firework displays on 5th November .
Facilities at Roundhay Park also include tennis courts, skateboard ramps, sports pitches, bowling greens, a sports arena, a golf course, and fishing. A lakeside cafe overlooks Waterloo Lake.
|
