North Londoners of a certain age may remember a time when you could take a dip in one of the ponds in Broomfield Park — and it could soon be a reality again.
The Broomfield Ponds Swim Society is a group which wants to make both the boating pond and the lower pond in the Palmers Green park available to paddlers and swimmers.
The main issue currently preventing these areas being safe for swimming is the water quality, so the first port of call is to desilt the ponds, fix broken pipes which allow them to be replenished, and run a feasibility study.
A crowdfunding campaign has until 12 August to raise over £120,000 for the first phase of the project. At time of writing, it's £51,000 towards that goal, with a fair old stretch to go. The aim is to demonstrate to Enfield Council and the Mayor of London that the project is viable, increasing the chances of securing more funding for future stages.
Given the recent popularity of south London's new wild swimming lake — so popular it had to be closed down just days after opening — we have no doubt that the appetite is there for more wild swimming spots in London. But it can only happen if the cash is raised in time.
Find out more and make a donation on the crowdfunding page.
