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Dorney Lake was a twinkle in the eye of some Eton College teachers in the 1960's who felt a special 'still water' rowing course, offering greater safety than the River Thames, with its currents, traffic and varying widths, and all-year-round facilities for all weathers would be a very good idea. They were right. 40 years later their dream has come true.
Serious planning took several years in the 1980's and 1990's and construction began in 1996 with a 10-year development programme. We are on target for completion in 2006.
The stylish Boathouse was officially opened in June 2000 by Kate Hoey, then Minister for Sport & The Arts. Sir Steve Redgrave, five-times Olympic Gold Medallist for rowing and one of the UK's favourite sportsmen, launched our Junior Rowing Initiative in June 2002 in front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers.
The original aim of constructing a high-quality rowing course for Eton College pupils has not only been achieved but far exceeded. The site is acclaimed as one of the finest in the world and has the added attractions of a spectacular setting with a Park and Arboretum and a Nature Conservation area (see Leisure & Learning), a fully-equipped gymnasium for training and indoor rowing, its own in-house hospitality and events team for corporate and private functions (see Hospitality) - and access for all community sectors (see Dorney Lake Trust and Community Access below). A Site Interpretation Centre is planned (see Leisure & Learning) and other exciting projects are afoot.
Dorney Lake has been accorded several accolades by being selected to host the first of three multi-national regattas for the BearingPoint Rowing World Cup 2005, the World Rowing Championships 2006 and - a wonderful feather in the cap - rowing and sprint canoeing in the Olympic Games 2012.
The future therefore looks very bright. Dorney Lake is a local and national asset, both as a centre of sporting excellence and as an unusual, rounded venue for many other activities. |
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