"Let's get people back in the water!" Longtime local residents of Palmers Green will remember that the boating lake adjacent Alderman's Hill was used as a paddling pool. Have a look at our gallery and you'll see photos of the bottom pond that was used as a Bathing Pond from 1900-1933. We need to show Enfield Council and The Mayor of London that Palmers Green wants to swim in Broomfield Park again. 10 pledges of £2 are more powerful than a single pledge of £20, this campaign is all about community spirit! So if you think it's a great idea to revive the swim ponds make sure to pledge and if you can't pledge please like, comment on or share this campaign. Every bit of support matters. Although ambitious, the idea of having the ponds in swimmable condition again is a real possibility worth exploring. Phase 1 involves a Pre-Feasibility Study, fixing broken pipes, desilting the ponds & we are planning FUN and FREE family events!

What we'll deliver:

• An open community organisation to work with Enfield Council to deliver clean, swimmable Ponds in Broomfield Park
• Deliver a dynamic youth driven marketing campaign in partnership with local schools
• Commission a Pre-Feasibility study on both ponds to identify problems and propose solutions
• Host a mini pop-up water park for children, a giant water slide, a toy boat regatta and water lantern festival
• Host quarterly Stakeholder and Community events to guide the project into Phase 2
• Create a clear and informed long term plan that would include a full Feasibility Study and steps towards swimmable ponds
• Carry out and oversee pre-development plans and update the community on this progress via our website and social media
• Desilt the Boating Lake and make repairs to the pipes so that it can be refilled
• Repair the piping in the borehole that will deliver fresh water to the Boating Lake
• Desilt the Bathing Pond

Why it's a great idea:

This project is a great idea that people are buzzing about because: 1. It's good clean fun! Swimming and bathing are activities that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, especially our teenage population who have few resources in the area catered to them. Whether you're looking to play or exercise it's always better in the water. 2. It's a local environmental problem that we can solve! The Friends of Broomfield Park, Enfield Council and Thames21 have been working to clean up our waterways and in doing so have identified that it is in fact, possible to clean up those ponds but they need our help to realise this project. 3. It's ancient history! No, really. Did you know that the 3 ponds at the bottom of the park are actually the only remaining set of 3 Baroque water gardens in existence?! They were originally a part of the grounds of Broomfield House and are Grade 2 listed. When was the last time you swam in a national treasure (legally)? Vintage photos ©ELSA

Steps to get it done:

• Conduct a Pre- Feasibility Study regarding water quality & diverting fresh to Bathing Pond and Boating Lake.
• Planning a mini pop-up water park toy boat regatta and water lantern festival in Broomfield Park 2020.
• Quarterly Stakeholder and Community Meeting to guide planning for the project.
• Consulting with Historic England to revive the Bathing Pond and Baroque Water Gardens.
• Work with Stakeholders and the wider community on a long term plan for finance, maintenance and management of the ponds.
• Repair the pipes to and from the Boating Lake.
• De-silt the Boating Lake and refill it.
• Repair the pipe in the borehole to the Bathing Pond
• De-silt the Bathing Pond

We are passionate about this project because we can see the potential to improve so many aspects of our community life. From life-guard training and pool float parties for teenagers to water safety classes for tots the revival of the ponds would mean new ways to engage our children and help them learn new life skills. For the elderly and differently-abled in our community access to the boating lake and bathing pond represents new opportunities to get out and socialise while staying fit. Finally, the popularity of Wild Swimming in the UK is an absolute phenomenon that will bring renewed interest and tourism to Palmers Green from across the capital and beyond which in turn will boost local businesses and property values.  Check out our social media pages: http://www.facebook.com/broomfieldpondswimsociety http://www.instagram.com/broomfieldpondswim http://twitter.com/broomfieldponds