In the year United States swimmer Mark Spitz becomes the first athlete to win 7 Olympic Gold medals, history was being made in the Stewartry as Castle Douglas swimming pool first opened its doors.
Built in the Territorial Army Drill Hall at a cost of £32,000, the pool opened on the 1st April 1972 by the then Provost D.K. Whitelaw where adults were able to swim for the princely sum of 20 pence.
However, only the bravest would dare take the plunge as the pool was heated to a rather chilly 24 degrees compared to the 30 degrees it currently operates at.
In the past 50 years, the pool has been the starting point for many aspiring champions and beginners alike through its Learn to Swim programme,Stewartry Seals Swimming Club.
It has also been the focus for fun family swimming and for those who enjoy swimming as part of their daily fitness routines.
To mark its golden jubilee, Castle Douglas Swimming Pool put out a call to the local community to share any memorabilia they have that tells the stories and history of the pool, its role in the town, and of the people who have used it.
A Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the anniversary of the swimming pool at Castle Douglas, which has been at the heart of the community for 50 years. Since lockdown restrictions eased, we’ve seen more and more of our customers returning to the pool. We’re pleased so many people are using the facilities at Castle Douglas, and the other swimming pools in the Dumfries and Galloway area which we operate, to help their health and wellbeing – a vital component in our area’s recovery from the pandemic.”
As part of the celebrations, all customers were able to enjoy a swim session for just 50p per person all day on Friday 1 April.
What are your memories of Castle Douglas swimming pool? Email us your stories and any photos to [email protected]
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