Croydon - Purley Way Lido

Opened by His Worship the Mayor, Alderman J. Trumble J.P.
Saturday 20th July 1935 at 3.00pm
U.S.A. Olympic Diving Champions Messrs. Pete Desjardins and Harold “Dutch” Smith gave a diving display to stun and thrill the crowds. Croydon gave to their citizens and visitors an exhilarating paradise of underwater floodlighting, colourful illuminating lanterns, cascades of polished green and shingle beaches. The effects of the sea was brought to them, by the smell of ozone. On closing eyes one could imagine the waves dashing onto the rocks and beaches with the wind whipping the spray to a light foam.
On the technical side facilities were such that National and International swimming and diving events could take place.
OUTCOME: The pool closed for good 1979. It was turned into the Wyevale Garden Centre which Cyril Fletcher duly opened in 1981. The famous diving stage still exists, bedecked with plants, flowers and advertising.