Oswestry’s new leisure centre set for autumn opening
The countdown has begun to the opening of the Oswald Park Active Lifestyle Centre, a state-of-the-art leisure facility currently being built on Shrewsbury Road in Oswestry.
The £8 million facility will open in autumn and will replace the current 1970’s building, which is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. The new centre boasts both main and learner pools as well as a sports hall, fitness suite, activities studio and multi-function room.
As part of the celebrations, the council is looking for local artists, arts clubs and groups to be part of the official opening of the centre on 1 October 2011.
A number of free activities will be taking place throughout the day, including taster dance workshops, art play and soft play equipment for children, exhibition space, art performances and taster sports sessions in cricket, basketball and water sports.
There will also be a market place, where local clubs and groups will have the opportunity to have a display area where they can advertise their organisation and recruit new members.
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Active and Healthy Lifestyles, said: “We are extremely passionate about providing excellent leisure facilities to our residents and this brand new, state-of-the-art centre will help us to do this.
“I’m looking forward to the opening and experiencing all the things that the facility has to offer.”
The Oswald Park Active Lifestyle Centre is one of the leisure facilities currently undergoing changes to their management as part of Shropshire Council’s commitment to ensuring that leisure and culture services are fit for the future.
Local artists, art and sports clubs and groups can get involved in the day, in the following ways:
Have a stand at the Market Place – This will take place all day, at the entrance to the leisure centre. Stalls will need to be manned by members of the clubs / groups and will provide an opportunity for them to promote local sports and recreational activities
Perform – Groups such as choirs, dancers and musicians, are invited to perform during the afternoon in the main sports hall.
Exhibit work - There will be a small room allocated for arts groups to exhibit their work, as well as exhibition space. There may also be an opportunity for artists to demonstrate their skills and anyone wanting to know more should get in touch.
Deliver dance workshops – Run short, taster dance workshops in the activities studio. Again this is an opportunity for clubs to demonstrate what they do to a wider audience.
Sports sessions – Several local sports clubs have already signed up to either demonstrate their sport or run taster sessions on the day and other sports clubs are also welcome to enquire about taking part.
Those interested in taking part on the day should contact Alexa Pugh, Community Arts Officer by Friday 2 September by emailing alexa.pugh@shropshire.gov.uk or calling her on 01743 255938.
