The Bexley Open Air Pool was built in Danson Park in 1936. The estate was privately owned by Sir John Boyd, a wealth merchant. The mansion is Grade II listed and is now owned by LB Bexley.
The pool was well used with a restaurant and picnic area and two smaller pools for children.
The plans for the pool were reported in January 1935 in Baths and Bath Engineering, who said
‘The Ministry of Health has approved in principle the construction of a swimming pool in Danson Park by the urban district council, at the approximate cost of £30,000.‘
They later reported, in September 1935,
‘An open-air reinforced concrete swimming bath 220′ x 90′ as two paddling pools, each 45′ x 30′ are to be construction in Danson Park, Welling, Kent, for the urban district council.‘
By the time the pool was built it had shrunk by 55 metres, presumably for cost reasons although the site is still very large.
| Name | Bexley Open Air Pool Danson Park |
| Built | 1936 |
| Opened | 25th July 1936 |
| Cost | £26,250 |
| Dimensions | 165′ x 90′ |
| Water volume | |
| Depth(s) | |
| Diving | |
| Water type | |
| Second pool | Two paddling pools, both 45′ x 30′. |
| Designer | G A Joy |
| Address | Danson Park, East Rochester Way, Bexley, DA15 0PW |
| Date closed | 1979 |
| Status | Demolished 1982 and grassed over |
| Notes | The lido was famous for having a mangle which could squeeze excess water from towels. |
| Links | |
| Last updated | 3rd September 2024 |
URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF BEXLEY
Appointment of Open-Air Bath Superintendent
The Council invites applications from duly qualified persons for the above-mentioned post at a salary of £300 per annum.
Applicants must hold a recognised Life Saving Certificate and must have had previous experience in Filtration, Heating, Chlorination Plant and general swimming pool administration.
Preference will be given to candidates having in addition to the above qualifications, experience in catering Management.
Applications in candidates’ own handwriting, endorsed “Bath Superintendent” accompanied by copies of three recent testimonials must be delivered to the undermentioned not later than noon on the 20th June 1936.
Canvassing, either directly or indirectly will be a disqualification.
W Woodward
Clerk to the Council
Council Offices, Bexleyheath
June 1936
