HISTORY
History of the Baths
In many ways the story of Otley baths – or outdoor pool as it later became known – is inextricably linked to the evolution of Britain during the 20th century.
From post World War I housing schemes, through the Great Depression, World War II, to the 'mobility revolution', growth of foreign holidays, and the increased provision of publically accessible indoor pools.
You can't really know where you're going until you know where you have been.
Maya Angelou
First Half of the 20th Century
Post World War I there was a shortage of housing in Britain and much of it was of poor quality and overcrowded. Otley Council instituted one of the first subsidised housing schemes in the country in 1920 - utilising land north of the river in Newall.
Wharfemeadows park provided basic outdoor space and the River Wharfe a place to swim and have fun - if you so wished - at a time when properties were just beginning to be converted to a sewer drainage system!
Wharfemeadows Park opened in 1924 and the baths - as it was known at the time - was an integral feature. It was widely used by the local community providing a leisure facility for the growing town and was substantially cleaner than the river!
Second Half of the 20th Century
As Britain recovered from World War II - and subsequent rationing - the 1950s heralded the start of a 'mobility revolution' as mass motorisation transformed personal mobility. As a result more people could travel in their leisure time and the baths attracted many visitors to the town.
In many ways, Otley baths heyday was in the 1960s. By that time the baths - or outdoor pool as it was increasingly being called - had transformed from a baths for residents of Otley to an outdoor pool for both the town and the wider community.
Closure in 1993
By the time of its closure in 1993 it was simply known as 'the outdoor pool' to distinguish it from the indoor Chippindale Pool.
A fault with the pumping system proved terminal. However, the pool and the buildings were dated and in need of upgrading and modernisation.
At this time, indoor pools had become the preferred option of the masses. There had also been an explosion in the provision and availability of other leisure activities – both within and outside of the health and fitness sector.
Indeed, many local authority lidos were closed.in the 1990s. However, lidos are now seeing a resurgence with many closed in the 1990s now re-opened or supported by campaigns to re-open them.