SPORTS fans had the chance to try activities, watch demonstrations and enjoy taster sessions at a special open day in Colchester.
The event was arranged by Colchester Council to show off its new Northern Gateway Sports Park.
It opened its doors for free and, among the highlights, visitors had use of the pump track, learn to ride and one-mile cycle tracks, in addition to watching football, rugby, cricket and badminton demonstrations.
Tours were given to showcase the state-of-the-art Activa Gym, fitness studio and Velo studio.
Ball skills - Colchester Council leader Paul Dundas (left) and the council’s group manager – sport and leisure, Tim Swallow
The open day attracted more than 4,000 visitors and 730 cups of free coffee were served up by Suffolk coffee company Paddy & Scott’s, which has a shop inside the Northern Gateway Leisure World building.
Paul Dundas, the leader of Colchester Council, and Sue Lissimore, portfolio holder for resources and deputy leader of the council, joined in with the festivities and saw first-hand what the sports park means to residents.
Ms Lissimore said: “Our new Northern Gateway Sports Park is a truly wonderful facility for the borough and something we can all be proud of.
“The free open day was the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to discover how much is on offer.
In the saddle - visitors to the open day enjoying the cycling area
“Open day visitors were given a discount cycle track and pump track voucher and I expect many will return with their friends and families.
“The next big event for the sports park is hosting the start of Stage Five in cycling’s Women’s Tour.
“The biggest all-female race in the world, it will see the elite women cyclists riding the cycle track before heading to Colchester town centre and on to Clacton in a race for the finish line.
“I’m sure many residents will choose to watch the riders saddle up and get set to compete at this stunning new facility.”
Stopped in his tracks - action from a rugby demonstration
Mr Dundas added: “Lockdown taught us how important staying active is to our physical and mental welfare.
“It was great to see the sports park’s state-of-the-art facilities inspiring residents to exercise in a safe environment.”
The £28.8million, 76-acre Northern Gateway Sports Park, is located just off the A12 near the Colchester United stadium and boasts a multi-use sports centre, a one-mile cycle track, a pump track, a learn to ride cycle area providing a safe space to learn to cycle at any age, 3G pitches, grass rugby pitches, a fitness suite, exercise studios, an interactive Velo studio and indoor cricket, badminton, futsal and archery.
Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities or starting a membership can head HERE.
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