Athlone Regional Sports Centre outlines its reopening plans

After being closed for all of 2021 to date, the indoor facilities in Athlone Regional Sports Centre will be reopening in the coming weeks.

The centre, off the Ballymahon Road, said it was delighted to announce its doors would reopen on June 7 to members who wish to use the gym and pool.

"The centre closed on December 31, after what had been our busiest-ever December," manager Liam Cunningham told the Westmeath Independent.

"The fact that we had been so busy in December gives us some optimism going forward."

He said the facilities in the centre's outdoor fitness park had been particularly welcome during the lockdown period.

"The outdoor fitness park has been a great resource, and loads of people have gotten very good use out of that, whether it be through the jogging trails or the basketball court or the orienteering area that's now gone in to it as well."

The outdoor pitches at the centre, such as the five-a-side soccer pitches, will be opening from Monday next, May 24, while the indoor pool and gym areas will be reopening a fortnight after that with the usual public health precautions in place.

Liam said the reopening was an important moment for the centre.

"You are trying to rebuild a business that's been closed for ten months out of the last fourteen, and that brings its own challenges, but it's good news.

"It's positive for the staff and we're also looking forward to seeing all our members and customers coming back in also," he said.

Classes at the centre will remain outdoors until restrictions are eased further.