Both of South Holland’s Leisure Centres are back open for users with the swimming pool in Spalding set to re-open next month.
Operator Parkwood has put in place a host of measures to encourage social distancing and users of the gym and classes have to book in advance.
A district council spokesman said: “South Holland District Council has this week reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality leisure services in the area, agreeing to continue to support the district’s leisure provider to help them through the process of re-opening and coping with the pressures of the coming months as customers return.
“Throughout lockdown, with membership frozen and no income for the two venues, the Council provided financial support and relief to help the District’s provider, Parkwood.
“This helped ensure that key costs were covered and that the equipment, machinery and facilities at Castle Sports Centre in Spalding and Peele Leisure Centre in Long Sutton could be maintained and ready to go once restrictions were lifted.
“Both centres are now open for business again following changes to national coronavirus guidelines in July, with Parkwood having worked to ensure an extensive range of procedures are in place with social distancing measures throughout.
“The programme of activities has also been changed to accommodate social distancing rules and make sure everyone has the opportunity to exercise safely.
“Hand washing and sanitiser points are in place and extra cleaning is carried out with an intensive ongoing sanitising programme on high-contact surfaces.
“Gym sessions and classes are back up and running, with the swimming pool in Spalding currently set to re-open in September.”
Councillor Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to support and protect our leisure facilities in South Holland throughout this difficult period, and it is great to see people returning and starting to enjoy them again.
“It has been great to see the centres go from strength to strength since Parkwood took over the contract, and we hope to see it continue to grow for many years to come.
“We are committed to making sure our residents have these facilities to keep fit, socialise and have fun at, and such opportunities will be even more important as we begin to return to normality.”
Paul Young, area manager for Parkwood Leisure, said: “Both centres have successfully reopened as part of a phased approach which complies with government guidelines. This has been made possible by assistance from South Holland District Council and we are extremely grateful for their support.
“Gyms and a range of exercise classes are in use and more services will be reintroduced gradually over the coming weeks and months. This includes the pool at Castle Sports Centre, which we plan to open from 1 September.
“Our aim is to ensure that our customers are positive about their experience and feel safe and reassured by the measures we’re taking at every stage.
“We’re pleased about how things have been received so far and it’s great to see more and more people returning.”
To manage numbers and to comply with NHS Track and Trace, all visits and use of facilities must be booked in advance. To book at either centre, or for the latest updates and details, visit www.leisurecentre.com/welcome-back.
