Published: Tuesday, 14th July 2020
Inspiring healthy lifestyles, who manage leisure centres across the district on behalf of Cannock Chase District Council, are preparing to welcome back members following the Government’s latest announcement.
A phased re-opening of centres will begin on Saturday 25 July with Chase Leisure Centre opening its gyms and group exercise classes, racket sports and the pool opening the following week on Saturday 1 August for lane swimming, family swim sessions and Aqua-aerobics. The Learn to Swim programme will recommence in September.
Rugeley Leisure Centre will open the following week on Saturday 1 August but the pool will remain closed for a while longer as repairs are made following damage which was identified during the closure.
Rugeley will open in the second phase to allow us to test and embed the new secure operating practice.
Plans are in place to ensure the safety of gym goers and staff with new rules and layouts within the buildings.
New directional signage has been placed around each site, kit has been spaced in the gyms and class sizes are smaller. New contactless systems are in place for entering the facilities and all payments will be cashless.
A new booking system has been put in place for gyms, swimming, racket sports and classes as booking a time slot is now necessary to ensure a limited number of people in each building at a time.
Pete Burt, Managing Director of Inspiring healthy lifestyles, said: “We are looking forward to opening our leisure centres again and to welcome people back to our gyms, pools and classes.
“The safety of our staff and members is our number one priority and we have worked hard to put full health and hygiene measures in place. We know people are keen to get back onto exercise and we thank everyone for their cooperation and patience as we open in a way that is safe for everyone.”
Cllr Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Sport at Cannock Chase District Council, said: “We are delighted that our local leisure centres are re-opening. “The work Inspiring healthy lifestyles has undertaken over the last few months will ensure everyone can get back to working out and a safe environment that allows everyone to socially distance.”
Over the next few weeks Inspiring healthy lifestyles will be releasing videos with information on the new booking systems and layout of the building on their social media pages. Members are being urged to register now for the new online booking system at inspiredbookings.org.
You can find more information on the new measures here: http://www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/cannock/COVID-19/leisure-centres.htm