Council to reopen Ice Skating and Swimming

From Friday 7th August, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will reopen further leisure facilities in line with the next phase of the NI Executive’s Pathway to Recovery.

This phase will see the reopening of the 25m swimming pool, including the Mission Inflatable assault course, at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex on Friday 7th August. Only lane swimming, with a maximum of 4 people per lane, and segregated family swimming sessions will be available at this time. In addition to these activities, the centre will reopen its doors to the ever popular Leisure Pool on Monday 10 August. Slides and Aqualand play area will open for bookings but the Lazy River will remain closed at this time. Customers must arrive to the facility pool ready, i.e. wearing swimming gear below their clothing. Lockers will be available on arrival and changing and showering facilities can only be accessed after each swimming session. Pre-booking for all swimming sessions is essential.

Ice skating at Dundonald International Ice Bowl will also reopen on Friday 7th August, which is great news for ice skating fans and families looking for the perfect day out. There will be three ice skating sessions running from 1pm each day.  Skate hire is available along with the use of skating aids to help young children on the ice. Numbers on the ice will be restricted to 30 people per session at this stage, therefore pre-booking for all ice skating sessions is essential.

Alderman Michael Henderson MBE, Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, speaking about the reopening of the pool and ice skating said: The council is pleased to have reached the next stage of the NI Executive Plan, with the reopening of further leisure facilities to provide a choice of activities for customers and families looking to return to regular physical activity or enjoy much needed family time together. With the reopening of tenpin bowling, the gym and classes in July, we see this new phase as another step in the right direction to enhance people’s health and wellbeing at a time of change.

“While our centres will continue to look a little different under this ‘new normal’, we will strive to ensure that all customers still have an enjoyable and safe experience when visiting our centres. This will mean numbers and session times will be restricted within the centre so it is essential that all ice skating and swimming sessions are booked in advance.  Walk-ins will not be permitted at any centre and customers will be declined entry without a prior booking.

“Ice skating and pool sessions must be booked online with the exception of family sessions in the 25m pool which should be booked through the centre reception desk. Visitors to the swimming pool are also reminded due to restricted changing facilities they must arrive ‘pool ready’ as showering and changing facilities will only become available at the end of each swimming session.

“Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the latest Visitor Advice prior to their booking which is available on both centre websites. It is also essential that no one travels to facilities if they or anyone in their household have Covid -19 symptoms and if they feel unwell during their visit, they should speak to the Duty Manager immediately.

“Finally, the council would like to thank customers for their understanding during this phased approach and look forward to welcoming everyone back to our centres to enjoy a further choice of activities.”

All session times must be booked online. To book an ice skating session, visit www.theicebowl.com. To book lane swimming, Mission Inflatable or a Leisure Pool session, visit www.theleisureplex.com. Family swim sessions can only be booked by phoning reception at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex on 028 9267 2121. Under no circumstances should visitors arrive at a centre without booking in advance.