THE
VICTORIA SWIMMING POOL
evening swimming.
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A large and distinguished gathering The new swimming pool is situated sun-bathing. A high perimeter fence was present at Victoria Park on 16th at the east end of the Park with access surrounds the east, west and north October, 1957, when His Excellency from the Park or from Hing Fat sides of the pool, while the south the Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, Street. It is intended that the pool be boundary is formed by the buildings officially opened the Colony's new open to the public for both normal housing the spectators' stand, refresh- Olympic-standard swimming pool. daytime swimming and for floodlit ment room, changing rooms, etc.
Orientation Before declaring the swimming pool
The buildings are open, His Excellency unveiled two Consideration has been given to the orientated in such a way that the plaques at the entrance to the pool, fact that the pool will be required for spectators in the stand or on the pro- one in English and the other in competitive events, such as Colony, menade deck are not troubled by the Chinese, commemorating the gift of Inter-Colony and Asian swimming and sun. Similarly, the main pool is sited the swimming pool by the Hong Kong diving championships, and water polo so that swimmers using the high-diving Jockey Club, which donated nearly matches. Since these competitions will platforms will not have the sun shin- $1,500,000.00, with the request that attract large audiences, a covered ing into their eyes. the maximum possible use of the pool stand for spectators has been included should be afforded to under-privileged in the scheme.
children and that the entrance fees Layout The layout comprises should be kept as low as economically three open-air pools with fairly gen- possible.
erous spaces around for walking and
View of the Stands and main Swimming Pool from the east.
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Approach Visitors to the pool approach from either the Park or from Hing Fat Street via the high level ter- race which runs along the south front of the building. This high broad ter- race, besides forming the approach way to the building, will also form an excellent viewing terrace from which passers-by may overlook the tennis courts, roller-skating rink and the Park in general. From the terrace the public may enter the building by means of the appropriate entrance for swimmers or spectators.
Swimmers
Swimmers enter at the main entrance and pass through turnstiles straight into the changing rooms. The attendants' booths in the changing rooms control the passages to and from the entrance hall and the pool surrounds. Swimmers, therefore. pass by the attendants' booth to collect locker key, and towel and costume issue before going into a dressing box. Clothing is locked away and the key returned to the attendant in exchange for a numbered tag. From
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