More than 3,500 people turned out to Basildon Sporting Village on Saturday 20th September to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the town’s main swimming pool.
Work has included fitting a new moveable floor system, replacing the pool’s dividing boom and giving the changing rooms a complete overhaul.
The £1 million upgrade was officially unveiled with a free community open day hosted by operator Everyone Active, that saw families enjoying activities across the whole site.
Almost 400 swimmers booked into the 50m main pool on its first day back in action, while a further 72 enjoyed sessions in the teaching pool.
The first people to take the plunge were locals Donna Hicks, Sarah Cullen, Andy Hornett, Richard Wall and Edward Davison.
In total, 185 people took part in free group exercise classes, while children were entertained with character visits including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Disney princesses.
Shaun Beagle, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager at Basildon Sporting Village, said:“Saturday was a fantastic celebration for Basildon. The pool has always been such an important part of the community and it was brilliant to see so many people back enjoying the water and the facilities.
“With the refurbished pool, modernised changing rooms and activities running across the whole site, there really was something for everyone. The support we received shows just how much this venue means to local people, and we’re proud to have delivered improvements that the town can be proud of.”
The open day also coincided with Basildon Council’s Summer of Sport, which took place outside the centre, creating a festival feel inside and out.