- 26/02/2015
- Posted by: Ken Skates MS
- Category: News
A former council leisure centre has hit its initial target figure for memberships within three months of being reopened by volunteers.
After reporting bumper takings at Plas Madoc during half-term, the Splash Community Trust now has more than 600 paid-up monthly members.
Chairman Darrell Wright said: “Based on what we needed to bring in, we wanted at least 600 members. Luckily there has been a steady stream signing up, and I’m really pleased we’ve managed to get to that figure already. I’ll be even more pleased if we can get to 1,000!”
The facility in Acrefair was closed by Wrexham Council little over a year ago and was reportedly running at a £400,000-a-year loss under local authority ownership. However, it was reopened by the trust on December 6 under the new name Splash Magic – and appears to be going from strength to strength.
With uncertainty over the future of council-run Waterworld centre in Wrexham, Splash Magic could soon be the only not-for-profit facility of its kind in the county borough.
Darrell said: “Obviously it’s fantastic to have more good news so soon after having such a brilliant half-term week, takings-wise, but we can’t rest on our laurels.
“Six-hundred monthly memberships was the minimum we needed to give us a chance of being viable long-term. I’m delighted that we’ve reached another landmark, but we still need the public’s support as much as we have since day one.”
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates added: “The message since Splash Magic reopened has been use it or lose it – and that hasn’t changed.”
An adult ‘gym and swim’ membership is £22, and for £26 you get entry to all instructor-led classes at the centre. A full price list can be seen at www.splashmagic.co.uk.
Splash director Greg Ogden, from Trevor, said: “Our wide range of classes available on the full membership are proving very popular, including as pilates, zumba, circuit training, body pump, yoga and more. We also have a new tai chi class starting and the local Delta Academy of Dance is moving their classes from Rhosymedre to Splash.”
Greg added: “Our volunteers are doing an amazing job, and we’d like to thank the public for its support – long may it continue. We will need help from the authorities as well, but we’ve shown within three months that we’re certainly a horse worth backing.”
Volunteers are still needed to help out at Splash, particularly on reception and in the café. If you are interested, call the centre on 01978 821600.
