15/11/06 - New Slide Should Get Keen Swimmers Thinking

Cllr Tomlinson At The Launch Of The Pirate Ship In 2005

New Slide Should Get Keen Swimmers Thinking

Children who fancy being the first person to try out a new waterslide at the Oasis should get their thinking caps on.

A new slide is being built at the Oasis and a competition for children under 12 is being run to give it a name. The winning entrant will get to launch the slide and receive free swimming at the Oasis for the whole of 2007.

The new slide will measure 77 metres, during which swimmers will drop eight metres. Blue in colour, the slide will be open-topped for most of its length, with extra coverage for the bends. Unlike the three existing Domebuster flumes, the new slide is all indoors and will be open all day every day during pool opening hours.

Entry forms can be collected from the Council-run leisure centre, in North Star Avenue, and have already been sent out to primary schools in the area.

The pool will close on 16th November for the slide and associated pipework and pumps to be installed.

The three Domebuster flumes, which are called The Sidewinder, The Great White and The Screamer, have been attracting swimmers for nearly 20 years. As part of the 250,000 building investment, the stairs to the flumes will be replaced.

While the new slide is being installed, the bar and caf area will also be revamped and more healthy options are planned for the menu.

The pool will reopen on 2nd January, but the new slide will not be ready for use until towards the end of January.

Competition entries must be received by 24th November and the winner will be notified by 30th November.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, said: "It is great that children are being given the chance to get involved with the new slide. I can't wait to hear the possible new names they dream up. Up to 70,000 people visit the Oasis each month and I am pleased that the facility is being improved."