Author: Fleur S

Riverside outdoor pool and campsite to reopen for the summer season

Released 21 May 2021

The Riverside outdoor heated 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 Better UK 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 heated 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: 

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

Changes at the campsite include: 

  • self-service entry  
  • socially distanced pitches 
  • reduced capacity in the changing block 
  • increased cleaning by Riverside staff. 

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.”  

All the details about the new safety guidelines and opening times for the outdoor pool and campsite are available on the Better UK website where you can also find details for how to book your sessions.

Free Covid-19 Testing kits for those without symptoms

To help reduce Covid-19 risks to everyone at school, their families and contacts, the PC would like to highlight and encourage, parents and others in households of school children to use the free twice-weekly home testing kits for those withoutsymptoms. Home test kits can be delivered to your door, so you can test yourself and your family without leaving your home. 

We understand that 1 in 3 people do not have any symptoms but can still pass it on. 

With the Easter hols there is likely to be more mixing between people of different ages, particularly at places like the playground, so it would be good if households start to do this before they go back to school.

Lateral flow test kits can be obtained from pharmacies, or ordered online:

You can order 1 pack of home test kits containing 7 tests for home delivery. Your tests should arrive within 2 days.

Order rapid lateral flow home test kits