Following a £59,308 funding boost to transform the changing and shower facilities at YMCA Rural Splash Kirkham, the centre’s pool has re-opened this week with the 4 week re-development project unveiled for the first time.
Kirkham Baths, originally built in 1914 at the bequest of local JP William Segar Hodgson to help rehabilitate wounded soldiers, received the early 100th birthday present after a successful bid to Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund for £48,308 of National Lottery funding along with additional investment from YMCA of £11,000.
And to mark the official unveiling of the new facilities, the YMCA team are inviting local families, adults and youngsters to their 3rd Celebration of the year!
The community open day planned for Saturday 6th September, 12pm – 5pm has also been linked into the Change for Life summer campaign and aptly named Get Going Kirkham.
The day will give swimmers a great opportunity to really road test and enjoy the new facilities. Swimming for all for just 100 pennies to mark 100 years from 12pm to 2pm and free fun swims with the Dual Aqua Run Inflatable Challenge, 3.30pm to 4.30pm for swimmers age 8 – 16.
With free gym sessions throughout the afternoon and a host of family activities including face painting, body art, bouncy castle and dunk tank the celebrations are set to offer something for everyone.
Lee Appleton, Manager of the centre (pictured above with members of the team) said: “We know changing facilities are often one of the reasons why people don’t want to participate in physical activity and our facilities have needed some tlc for a while. So now we want to say huge thank you to Sport England and tell everyone to ‘Get Going’. With these transformed facilities and the pool and gym on the doorstep for the whole community there really is no better time to take the plunge!”
Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. Since 2011, we’ve invested £88 million into more than 1,600 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs.
“It’s great to see Kirkham Baths join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”
In the event of unkind weather, many of the outdoor activities will be moved inside. Visit Swimming Pools & Times for more details.
