Boating fun returns to Pittville Park
Boating returns to Pittville Lake in Cheltenham after eight years of closure, thanks to Cheltenham Borough Council.
This
pastime, which has traditionally been in operation at the lake since
the early 1800s, will provide fun for all the family during the summer
months.
A fleet of ten new rowing boats, which will take three
adults or two adults and two small children, have been purchased. In
addition, there is a fleet of 12 children’s boats - six boats for
youngsters under the age of seven and six pedeloes for 7-10 year olds.
The boathouse and landing stage have also been refurbished for the big
launch.
Cllr Chris Ryder, cabinet deputy for quality of life,
said: “The boathouse has stood idle for far too long. At last we can
provide this great opportunity for families to have fun together in the
fresh air under the watchful eye of lifeguard.”
Jean Smith,
customer services and administration manager for the council, who will
be managing the boating facility, said: “Come and enjoy a day out in
this wonderful park. Light refreshments will be available from the
boathouse and the park’s Central Cross Cafe, including ice cream and
hot/cold drinks.”
The lake is based in Pittville Park which
features the magnificent Grade One listed Pittville Pump Room, an
18-hole pitch and putt golf course, three tennis courts, a skatepark
and a children’s play area. The park itself is Grade Two listed under
the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens.
Pittville
Lake was constructed between 1825 and 1827 as part of Joseph Pitt’s
vision for a new Pittville estate and it has been the venue for boating
and aquatic events since its inception. The lake even had a life boat
which was launched on Pittville Lake before being taken to
Burnham-on-Sea where it was stationed between 1866 and 1887.
Over
time the lakes in Pittville Park had become silted-up which affected
their recreational use and enjoyment. The recent completion of the
de-silting now enables the park to be enjoyed once again.
The boating facility will be open April to September from 10am-dusk, seven days a week (weather permitting).
Cost of the facility:
Life jackets are available. A £10 returnable deposit is required.
The cost of the rowing boats is £8 per hour or £5 per half hour.
The children’s boats are £3 per half hour
OTHER NEWS
