Council swimming pools in Derry and Strabane set for reopening

The swimming pools at Templemore Sports Complex and Foyle Arena in Derry and Riversdale are to reopen next week, with swimmers and clubs being advised to arrive ‘beach ready’ for pre-booked sessions.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 25th Aug 2020, 07:53 BST
2018: St. Mary’s swimmers at the College’s Annual Gala at Templemore. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)2018: St. Mary’s swimmers at the College’s Annual Gala at Templemore. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)
2018: St. Mary’s swimmers at the College’s Annual Gala at Templemore. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)

However the Council has confirmed that City Baths on William Street and both Brooke Park and Bishop’s Field leisure centres will remain closed due to problems in ensuring social distancing.

Foyle Arena and Templemore have already reopened for gym workouts and classes, and the Council says it hopes to welcome new members by the end of the month, with plans currently under way to facilitate this.

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The Council’s popular Everybody Active Programme also resumed last week with a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities. Highlights of the programme include the return of the summer sports camps for kids, the Everybody Active 50+ programme, the EBA cycle and EBA Walk jog/run programmes.

The EBA Disability Hub is also returning with inclusive cycle sessions in partnership with DSNI.

The Sports Development team are currently working with partners in planning a return to the Macmillan Move More and PARS, as well as further sports development programmes to be announced in September.

In terms of the swimming pools reopening, a Council spokesperson said: “Council’s leisure services are happy to announce that swimming pools at Foyle Arena, Riversdale Leisure Centre and Templemore Sports Complex will reopen on Monday August 31. This will be for lane swimming, household swims and club/ group usage, subject to booking application.

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“There will be some changes in place including pre-booking your slot, coming ‘beach ready’ to the facility, There will be local arrangements in place at each facility, with limited access to changing rooms and we will operate a ‘quick change zone’ at the end of your session. Locker and shower facilities will not initially be available and this will be kept under review.

“There will be limited capacity, all activities must be booked in advance. Swim sessions will last for 60 minutes. We request all users adhere to guidance on social distancing that will apply at all times. There will be no spectator facilities at our centres.”

Paid members will be able book seven days in advance as of now and casual users one day in advance. Swim sessions can be booked through www.derrystrabane.com/leisure. Regular updates will be available on the website at www.derrystrabane.com/leisure

Related topics:CouncilDerryStrabane