Story
Introduction
New Earswick Swimming Pool is unique being York’s only charity/volunteer run pool. It's a registered "Asset of Community Value".
It's a true community pool, opened in 1967 after fundraising by the community then later, in 2019, saved from closure by the community.
Today, it is managed by the community through a volunteer-run charity called "Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool" (or "FoNESP" for short) - registered charity no. 1188111.
The pool today
Since opening, thousands of children have learnt to swim and train at the pool and that is still happening today.
We are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week all year round, with a 1000 visits per week.
We're used by swimmers of all abilities, young and old, from local schools, swimming clubs, community groups, charities, a University and a care home. We host lifeguard and swim teacher training too.
Apart from being an essential lifesaving skill, swimming is important for physical and mental wellbeing. We're proud to help under-represented groups have access to swimming. We are home to York’s only disabled swimming club as well as a Transgender swimming group and a ladies-only session popular with ethnic minorities. Our public swimming sessions are unique in York by giving free entry for primary-school age children.
FoNESP have faced many challenges since taking over including being closed for 6 months during Covid lockdowns, massive energy cost increases and failed boilers but we've survived. However the pool is old, and, prior to us taking over, did not receive the level of investment needed. Thats why we are launching an urgent fundraising campaign to raise £2.5m to totally transform the pool.
What we are fundraising for
Since taking over the pool 6 years ago, FoNESP have raised and invested nearly £400k into improving the pool infrastructure and safety. However the pool has a number of structural issues that need to be addressed.
If the pool is to survive another 60 years we need to carry out a transformational refurbishment in order to:
• Replace the roofs (all 3 of them) which leak.
• Replace the existing open-plan changing rooms with a modern changing village that improves privacy and accessibility. The current changing rooms are dilapidated, lack privacy and do not meet current Sport England standards.
• Make the pool more sustainable to run and to reduce our energy costs, by installing solar panels, insulation, battery storage and an air heat pump
• Carry out some important repairs to the pool tank and refurbish the pool side walkways
• Replace rusting pool water pipework
To secure the future of the pool, we need to raise £2.5m. Join us in raising funds to help us totally transform this much loved, much used pool. Every pound helps.
Please use this page for donations, our buy a brick scheme or to buy raffle tickets. If you are a UK tax payer, you can increase your donation, at no extra cost to you, by selecting gift aid (note, you must not add gift aid if using this page to buy a raffle ticket).
THANK YOU for your support.
www.friendsofnewearswickpool.co.uk