Jesus Green Swimming Pool facts for kids
Jesus Green Swimming Pool is a special outdoor pool located on Jesus Green in Cambridge, England. It first opened in 1923. This pool is one of the few old "lidos" left from the 1920s. Lidos are open-air swimming pools that also have space for other fun activities.
What makes Jesus Green Pool unique is its shape. It is much longer than it is wide. This design was made to feel like swimming in the nearby River Cam. You can swim here every year from May to September.
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A Super Long Pool
Jesus Green Pool is one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in Europe. It is about 100 yards (91 m) long. That's like swimming the length of a football field! It is only about 15 yards (14 m) wide. For comparison, Tooting Bec Lido in London is also 100 yards (91 m) long but much wider at 33 yards (30 m).
Pool Depth and Lanes
The pool has different depths. It is about 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) deep at both ends. In the middle, it gets deeper, up to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft). This deeper part is where you can safely dive. The pool also has a special lane for fast swimmers. The rest of the pool is for everyone else to enjoy swimming and playing.
Location and Surroundings
The pool sits right next to the River Cam. It is across from Chesterton Road. You can find it between Jesus Lock and Victoria Avenue Bridge. One side of the pool has a paved area for sunbathing. The other side has grassy areas where you can relax.
History and Features
Jesus Green Pool has been open for a long time. Some people tried to close it in the past, but it always stayed open. In 1997, the pool got some upgrades. New showers and toilets were added for visitors. Even with these changes, the pool still looks much like it did when it first opened. It's a cool place to see a bit of history!
Changing Rooms and Facilities
The pool has separate changing rooms for boys and girls. At each end of the pool, there are round buildings with showers inside. You can also get baskets to store your clothes while you swim. There is a special room to keep these baskets safe.
Other Local Swimming Spots
Cambridge has other places to swim outdoors too. There is a smaller outdoor pool upstream at Sheep's Green. Many people also enjoy swimming in the River Cam near Grantchester.
In Media
In 2004, a short film called "Jesus Green Pool" was made. It was created by a filmmaker named Chris Cox. The film shows how the pool changes throughout the year. It follows the pool from when it opens in the spring until it closes in the autumn. This film was shown at the Cambridge Film Festival in 2005.
