Thousands of local residents came together to enjoy free family community days at Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester and The Grange Community and Leisure Centre in Midhurst, this weekend.
The centres, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Chichester District Council, welcomed nearly 2,000 visitors, with 1,500 customers visiting Westgate Leisure Centre and 425 attending The Grange Community and Leisure Centre.
Local athlete, Will Grace, a professional triathlete who is part of Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, also attended to get involved in gym challenges and a spin class at Westgate Leisure Centre.
Visitors who attended Westgate Leisure Centre’s event took part in activities including public and family swimming, Rookie Lifesaving and Adult Swim taster lessons, bouncy castle and soft play, football, badminton, and pickleball.
Guests also enjoyed group exercise classes such as Zumba, Pilates, BodyPump, Fortis, Group Cycling and Breathing Space, a new breathwork class, along with rowing, netball and gym challenges that encouraged friendly competition among participants.
Over at The Grange Community and Leisure Centre, families made the most of Active Antz soft play, gymnastics tasters, family pickleball, and roller blading, while fitness enthusiasts tried Boxercise, Yoga, Pilates and Back Yoga sessions.
Jason Davis, General Manager at The Grange Community and Leisure Centre, said: “There was a great atmosphere throughout the day, with a real mix of ages from young toddlers enjoying the Active Antz session, to grandparents buying local products in the Monthly Market. Families made the most of what The Grange had to offer and left with smiling faces.”
Richard Minton, General Manager at Westgate Leisure Centre, said: “Westgate had a great Community Fun Day and customers really enjoyed the atmosphere, the range of activities and seeing the friendly monsters!”
Stuart Mills, Area Contract Manager for Everyone Active, said: “It was brilliant to see so many families getting involved at Westgate Leisure Centre and The Grange Community and Leisure Centre.
“The atmosphere was fantastic and it really showed how sport and activity can bring people together. We hope everyone who came along found something they enjoyed and feels inspired to stay active with us.”
Cllr John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council, said: “We’re delighted that so many people took the opportunity to explore everything our leisure centres have to offer at these very successful community days. It was great to see people of all ages and abilities trying out the facilities — from state-of-the-art fitness equipment and over 80 different classes, to sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated family activities. We’re proud to have three excellent leisure centres in our district, each playing an important role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents.”
The free community days are part of Everyone Active and Chichester District Council’s ongoing commitment to helping residents stay healthy, connected and active all year round.
The events continue later this month, with Bourne Leisure Centre in Southbourne set to host its own free family community day on Sunday 23 November, offering another fantastic line-up of activities for all ages. To book activities please visit: Free Community Fun Days - Everyone Active