For those that aren’t aware, next to the new lifeboat station there’s the existing model boating lake.
Right next to that is what looks like an area of concrete with a stepped wall – this was actually the toddlers splash pool of the original Hoylake outdoor pool (I think!). Neither of these public spaces are looking their best at the moment and look like the poor relation next to the new multi-million pound lifeboat station.
What would you like see happening with the model boating lake and splash pool? Would you like to listen to what other people would do them and suggest your own ideas? You have the chance.
A community meeting is being held to discuss the future of the boating lake. Local residents, Hoylake RNLI and possibly other interested parties will be in attendance.
Where: Melrose Hall, Melrose Avenue, Hoylake
When: Tuesday 21st July, 7.30 pm start.
Who: Everyone welcome.
The larger square pool was originally a boating pool where you could hire pedal boats, canoes, etc in the summer. The boats were kept in a large white boathouse adjacent to the baths. It was a going concern in the ’60s and maybe occassionally in the early 70s but then it was closed and left fenced off. It had another important function as a seawater reservoir for the swimming pool. The semi circular part was a paddling / model boating pool but was often empty of water.
The whole area was for a time added to the baths as a children’s fun area by the Hoylake Pool & Community Trust (about 1979/1980?) until the Trust’s sad demise.
It certainly looks a sad sight now. How about removing it and converting back to beach just leaving a breakwater area by the lifeboat station? Or could it be made to be of any use to the windsurfers?
I worked at the boating pool in the 60s, Probably 64 & 65 It was great fun and very popular with the day trippers, it was run by the Clark family who also ran the horse rides on the beach, I can remember the 4 girls who looked after the horses, Jill Clark was the owners daughter, Sue Gardner, Lis Jackson, Glendas sister and Linda Cottrial ( not sure of the spelling) who’s father worked very hard to keep the swimming pool going. I havn’t been to Hoylake for many years so I guess much has changed and boating lakes and paddling pools are not what children want in these days of x box etc.
The meeting is to try to restore the Boating Lake to it’s former glory which is the wish of the Residents.
It was last restored by Hoylake Pool and Community Trust and of course the local authority have done nothing since.
Having done it once we will do it again with the will of the Residents, and the kids do want to sail their boats, as do many model boat clubs..
Why should Hoylake residents go to the North End of Birkenhead or New Brighton when we have one here!!!
I don’t want to fly in the face of local opinion if residents have voted for the site to be restored as a boating lake but I’m not convinced this is what young people want. Do kids still sail boats these days? It would be nice to think they did but if not, how about some simple ramps and such like that kids can use for skating, x-biking etc. Possibly a bit too ‘urban’ for Hoylake but I’m sure it would get used and anything that gets them off their lardy bums and out into the fresh air gets my vote! Probably easier and cheaper to set up and maintain too. Or how about some trampolines?
I moved my family and business from London to Hoylake three years ago with my two small children, 3 and 5. We love walking and riding bikes along the prom. On a recent holiday to visit friends in Aldburgh in Suffolk we were near a model boating lake, in MAY half term, with at least 40 children, every day, sailing model boats. Nearby there are three shops selling model boats from 10 – 40 pounds. There is also a small coffee ‘shed’ selling quality coffee and ice cream alongside.
We have been amazed at how many young families there are in Hoylake… we have made many, many good friends in their 30s and 40s with small children. Our children do NOT all want X-boxes and nothing else. Look at the success of Anamal dance group now relocated to Market Street.
Children love physical and outdoor activity and its down to the adults to provide it. So, skeptics, join with us and we’ll be happy to prove you wrong.
Please, yes, let’s have the lake back. I’ll make a donation.
I and my young family love using the boating lake for our model boats, please restore it as a boating lake.