Local leisure centres reopening date announced

Local leisure centres in Three Rivers are set to reopen with a phased approach, after being given the ‘green light’ by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

William Penn Leisure Centre and the 3G all weather pitch at Sir James Altham Pool, which are managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, will reopen their doors on Tuesday 28 July. The news comes after the facilities were forced to close for over four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The swimming pool facilities at William Penn Leisure Centre will be opening on Friday 31 July. The new South Oxhey Leisure Centre will follow, with an opening date of early September. All customers will be communicated to directly regarding the details for opening.

With the fantastic new facilities opening at South Oxhey Leisure Centre in early September, the swimming pool at Sir James Altham Pool will not re-open.

Rickmansworth Golf Course reopened on 19 May 2020 following the government’s announcement that golf courses could reopen and with the correct safety measures in place.

The Government update on 9 July confirmed leisure centres are safe to reopen from 25 July, with strict operational measures in place. Everyone Active procedures will ensure social distancing is managed throughout the centres and regular cleaning is maintained. Full detail of the operator’s measures can be found here .

Whilst its 200 leisure centres across the country have been closed, Everyone Active launched a comprehensive package of online workouts for people to do whilst on lockdown, along with streaming live classes across its social media pages.

John Sewell, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening the centres and welcoming back the local community. After being closed for over four months, this latest announcement from Government is the news the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting. Giving people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we have received from customers during these unprecedented times, and we’re so grateful. Like many other industries, leisure has been greatly affected by the lockdown.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance. We will be contacting all customers directly over the coming days regarding the centres reopening. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thanking them for their patience.”

Councillor Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure said “The last few months have been a very stressful and difficult time for many people in our communities and we all know the benefits that can be achieved, both physical and mental, from exercise. It is great to see that Everyone Active and Three Rivers District Council are able to start reopening our facilities and to be able to offer people the opportunity to get back into a space which can be a sanctuary to many. There will be a phased approach to the reopening of the facilities and the areas within the facilities to allow for the safety standards to be followed. I look forward to seeing many of you and joining many of you back in our much loved leisure venues.”

For further information on Everyone Active and its leisure centres, visit www.everyoneactive.com .