Sandwiched between the race course and reservoir, this priovately-owned pool opened in 1875. Closed at the start of WWII, the pool was shown on OS maps as “Old swimming pool” for many years. All that appears to remain are some edgings. Follow the link to Haringey Online for some great images.
| Name | Alexandra Park Open Air Swimming Bath |
| Built | |
| Opened | 1st May 1875 |
| Cost | |
| Dimensions | 200′ x 40′ |
| CapWater volumeacity | |
| Max depth | 4′ to 5′ 3″ |
| Diving | Spring board |
| Water type | |
| Second pool | N/A |
| Designer | |
| Address | Alexandra Park Road, Wood Green, LB Haringey, N22 7AX |
| Date closed | 1939 when the park was used to house refugees. |
| Status | Demolished and absorbed back into parkland |
| Notes | June 1907 Baths refurbished and re-named Wood green Open Air Swimming Baths |
| Links | Alexandra Park Open Air Swimming Bath – Harringay online |
Opening ceremony report
It turned out to me a wise move on the part of the Wood Green Council to postpone the opening ceremony of the new Alexandra Park swimming bath from Saturday the 1st to the 8th for whereas the former day was wet cold and cheerless Saturday last gave the first real foretaste of summer and this latest municipal enterprise might be said to have had a most auspicious start.
For a considerable time before three o’clock, the hour at which Mr Gibson was to declare the bath opened youthful enthusiasts had commenced to congregate round the entrance and Mr Mott the attendant was kept busy enough in inducing them to curb their impatience for a little while longer. In the intervals of doing this Mr Mott found time to explain to a Herald representative a little contrivance of his own for teaching swimming. It consists of a wired rope stretching from side to side of the bath. To this rope is attached a canvas arrangement which is fixed under the learners’ armpits and around his chest. He is then lowered into the water and is at perfect liberty to strike out with his arms and legs. The apparatus can also be used for hauling anyone who is exhausted to the side of the bath. All together it is a very ingenious arrangement and this is to Mr Mott’s credit that he has fixed it up and put it at the disposal of the Council free of cost. The bath is about 190 feet long with an average width of 40 feet. At the deep end there is 5’ 3” of water in the middle 5’ and at the shallow end 4’. A spring diving board has been placed in position at the deep end and two large dressing sheds with seats and pegs are at the side. All together the bath may fairly be described as a well-equipped one.
The opening ceremony was of a very brief and informal character. Councillor Cole in asking Mr Gibson due to declare the bath open reminded those present that after a long discussion this was their first attempt at a public bath in Wood Green. It had been a burning question at elections and with the council for a good many years but they must remember that while other districts had had their large baths for some time it was only by incurring a heavy loan. That bath was no great expense but he had no hesitation in saying that so far as the summertime was concerned it was one of the best baths in the district. (Applause) During his connection with the council Mr Gibson had done his best to induce them to go in for a bath scheme and it was largely due to him that they had gone as far as they had done. Finally, he would say that this was very largely an experiment and if it turned out well probably the council would go in for a larger scheme. (Applause)
Mr Gibson then declared the bath open and incidentally remarked that he hoped the ladies would not be forgotten and that they would be set apart for them. He hoped and believed the ratepayers generally would take a considerable interest in the bath. He had been told by a local schoolmaster that 100 of his boys would come every week; if they got 100 from each school they would do very well. He hoped that if the experiment turned out a success the council would see their way to reduce the charge for adults from 3d to 2d. This was just the beginning of the bath scheme; he hoped it would not be the ending. Mr Gibson referred to the work accomplished by Councillors Cole and Thompson in promoting the scheme and said they had done quite as much if not more than he had done.
On the proposition of Councillor Thomas seconded by councillor Holmes a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Gibson.
Councillor Holmes said he shared Mr Gibson’s hope that the charges would soon be reduced. For the benefit of those who intend using the bath frequently it may be pointed out that season tickets may be acquired a charge of 5s. for adults and 2s. 6d. for boys.
Tottenham and Edmonton Weekly Herald June 1907
