Are Saunas and Winter Swims the Ultimate Hampstead Heath Experience?

The City of London Corporation is considering extending the swimming season at Hampstead Heath's Mixed Pond to year-round access, driven by the growing popularity of open water swimming. Currently, the Mixed Pond operates from April to October, while the Ladies' and Men's ponds are open all year. This potential change aims to align the Mixed Pond with its counterparts and includes plans for improved facilities and amenities.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The City of London Corporation is reviewing the operational season of the Mixed Pond at Hampstead Heath. This review is taking place in light of increasing interest in open water swimming, as many swimmers seek more opportunities to engage in this activity throughout the year. The proposal under consideration would allow the Mixed Pond to remain open for public use during the winter months, similar to the Ladies' and Men's ponds.

Key takeaways

The Mixed Pond may soon offer year-round swimming access.
Plans include improved facilities and the addition of saunas.
A review is being conducted due to the rising popularity of open water swimming.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the beginning of open water swimming's rise in popularity, the City of London Corporation has recognised the need to adapt. Here's a brief timeline of key events leading to the current review:

April 2023: The Mixed Pond opens for the swimming season.
October 2023: The City of London Corporation announces a review of swimming accessibility and facilities.
February 2024: Approval from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee expected regarding proposed changes.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent announcement highlights the City of London Corporation's intention to potentially extend the swimming season for the Mixed Pond. This decision reflects the changing attitudes towards open water swimming and aims to enhance the facilities available for swimmers.

What was already established

It was already known that the Ladies' and Men's ponds at Hampstead Heath operate year-round, while the Mixed Pond has been limited to seasonal use. The introduction of improved facilities has been a topic of discussion in previous years, but specific proposals are now being formalised.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The potential extension of swimming access at the Mixed Pond may encourage more individuals and families to engage in outdoor swimming activities throughout the year. This could enhance overall community health and wellbeing, particularly during the winter months, when access to such recreational activities is often limited.

Businesses and jobs

Increased year-round access to the Mixed Pond could lead to a boost in local tourism and businesses catering to outdoor swimming enthusiasts. This could create new job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and recreational services in the area surrounding Hampstead Heath.

Policy and regulation

The City of London Corporation's review may also involve consultations with local stakeholders and the community to ensure that any changes meet public needs and expectations. The outcomes of these discussions could set a precedent for how city-managed open spaces adapt to evolving recreational demands.

Numbers that matter

3 bathing ponds on Hampstead Heath: Mixed Pond, Kenwood Ladies' Pond, Highgate Men's Pond.
April to October: Current operational season for the Mixed Pond.
Early February 2024: Expected date for approval of proposed changes.

Definitions and jargon buster

Open water swimming: Swimming in natural bodies of water as opposed to swimming pools.
City of London Corporation: The governing body responsible for managing the City of London and its facilities, including parks and open spaces.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, discussions will be held at the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee regarding the proposed changes to the Mixed Pond's swimming season. Community input will be vital during this process.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If approved, the changes could be implemented in early 2024, with potential upgrades to the facilities and possibly the introduction of year-round swimming starting next winter.

Signals to watch

Feedback from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meetings.
Public responses to the proposed changes.
Updates on facility improvements and any changes to operational guidelines for the ponds.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with community consultations regarding the proposed changes.
Stay informed about updates through local news and announcements from the City of London Corporation.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of feedback and public engagement in the decision-making process.
Assume all proposed changes will be implemented without community input.

Checklist

Check local announcements for updates on the Mixed Pond's swimming season.
Attend community meetings to voice opinions and gather information.
Familiarise yourself with the current rules and regulations for swimming at Hampstead Heath.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposal for year-round swimming at the Mixed Pond is promising, uncertainties remain about public safety, the management of increased swimmer traffic, and the environmental impact of extended swimming seasons. Additionally, the final decision rests on community feedback and committee approval, which could lead to changes or delays in the implementation of new policies.

Bottom line

The potential extension of the swimming season at Hampstead Heath's Mixed Pond represents a significant shift towards accommodating the growing trend of open water swimming. If approved, these changes could enhance recreational opportunities for Londoners, promote health and wellbeing, and set a precedent for how urban parks adapt to changing needs.

FAQs

Will the Mixed Pond be open year-round?

If approved, the Mixed Pond could welcome swimmers year-round, aligning its access with the Ladies' and Men's ponds.

What improvements are being proposed for the swimming facilities?

Proposals include enhanced changing room facilities, the installation of saunas, and temperature sensors for monitoring water conditions.

When will the decision on these proposals be made?

A decision is expected in early February 2024, following discussions at the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee.