Spurred on by seeing Preston in his swim trunks (because all of his trousers were apparently dirty) we decided to head to the pool. The Royal Commonwealth Leisure Center was our destination, and for a mere 13.75 pounds, we were able to visit what is probably the nicest public swimming area I will probably ever attend, renovated just last year and taxes dumping 37 million pounds (about $60 million USD!) The facility has three separate pools: one that is fairly shallow, slightly warmer and intended for younger children and swimming lesson, one that has lane swimming and a play area, with a pool bottom that can be adjusted in height to change the depth (totally cool,) and the third pool is much deeper and is used by the divers with five diving boards, the low spring board, the 3 meter spring board, and then 3 platforms. The Leisure Center has a complete indoor jungle gym for little kids with slides, balls, climbing tools, that is three stories high. They have a full restaurant, and a workout room that is about 10 times the size of our rec center back in Bountiful, UT. The real shocker was the co-ed changing room. Though surprising at first, it was not a big deal by the end of our visit, as my family is co-ed.
Totally weird. The picture below will illustrate our desire to follow the rules.
Like going through an open house for the temple, except not a sacred experience, we're wearing swimsuits under our clothes, and the booties are blue, not white.
The locker doors are made of translucent glass (spendy!) and require a pound coin to use, but you get your pound back when you are done.
Once you lock your locker and remove the key, you wear the key like a bracelet (or anklet if you don't have cankles - a term referring to the unfortunate condition of having your calf go straight to your ankle without getting attractive and skinny.)
Above the white mezzanine is the kids play.ball/slide/wear just socks/trampoline area. Below the mezzanine is the family swim pool.
This is the pool we swam in. Today it was 3.5 feet deep. Last time Preston was here it was 6.5 feet deep. There was also a sign posted that stated that underwater cameras were in use, so "they" would know if you tooted.
The highlight of the changing village was the area that had 13 blow dryers. I have been too cheap to purchase either a curling iron or blow dryer since we moved here. So today at the Royal Commonwealth Leisure Center (a.k.a. The Commie) was the first time I have blown my hair dry in about 3 months. True that.
Simply amazing! Maybe you stumbled into the queen's rec center.
ReplyDeleteAnd stadium seating to watch the pool, do they have a swim team?
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