Cleanliness key priority for users returning to local leisure centres

Almost 1,800 people took part in the audit which was carried out by Derry City and Strabane District Council ahead of the reopening of its leisure centres as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions continues.

Council-owned leisure centres have been closed since mid-March as a result of the pandemic and work is at an advanced stage to prepare for their reopening.

Council staff have been liaising with user groups and members to prepare for the reopening with extensive preparatory work taking place at its facilities to welcome the public back.

Sixty-eight percent of respondents to the survey were paid members of Council facilities.

The survey revealed that the most important factor to the public for leisure reopening is cleanliness and sanitisation, with 78% of respondents saying this was their top priority, ahead of their desire to get back to regular exercise or the need for social distancing.

Almost 70% of respondents, in response to questions around reduced services - including no access to showers or changing rooms on a temporary basis - said they would be content to manage without and arrive at centres “gym ready”.

Gym users, who account for 71% of the survey participants, said they were content for there to be reduced numbers using the facilities and for equipment to be moved to alternative locations.

Those taking part in classes said they, too, would be content with reduced numbers and to take part in outdoor classes.

In anticipation of swimming pools reopening, 45% of survey respondents said they would be comfortable to return to swim with 21% saying they remain unsure.

Council’s Director of Health and Communities, Karen McFarland, said the survey was extremely useful in assisting management and staff identify need and manage expectation ahead of any plans to reopen.

She added: “The survey was an excellent way for us to communicate with our users and the wider public, listen to what they had to say and take on board their comments and views. Our staff are working to prepare for reopening and leisure centres have been redesigned to accommodate users with social distancing measures, sanitisation stands and signage.

“We have a booking system ready to go live and are at an advanced stage of getting an App ready in the coming weeks. Our staff are fully trained and the health and safety of staff and the public are to the fore in everything that we are doing... This information will be communicated as soon as possible.

“We want to thank our customers for their understanding and patience, it has been a difficult and challenging time for everyone but, with their continued support, we look forward to welcoming them all back to our facilities in the coming weeks,” said Ms. McFarland.