Published: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 5:00pm

Exciting additions to Cavan Sports Complex

New Kiddies pool and slides

The new floodlit astro turf pitch at Cavan Sports Complex.
Pic by==: 97

The refurbishment and expansion of the Cavan Sports and Leisure Complex at Drumalee was completed a number of weeks ago at a cost of €900,000. Superb new facilities include a Kiddies Pool and two modern slides, and the arrival of the wonderful Power Plate fitness machine. The sports hall, changing rooms and toilets have been have been completely transformed.

The addition of an expansive AstroTurf pitch adjacent to the complex is another innovative and brilliant development for community and sporting organisations.

Accessible ramps have been expanded at the entrance to the complex and the addition of a lift in close proximity to the foyer and reception area facilitates access to the gym and all parts of the complex. Accessible ramps have also been provided at the rear of the complex, together with accessible toilets in the sports hall.

All facilities are available on a membership basis or on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Funding for the work was provided by Cavan Co. Council, Cavan Town Council and Cavan Regional Health Sport and Leisure Company Ltd.

Water slides

The swirling water slides are a dream attraction for children and all the members of the family. It provides a wonderful fun sport at the complex. Groups and parties can go along and enjoy the slides. The opening hours for the slides are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 6-10pm. Tuesday 6-7.30pm and 9-10pm. Friday 4-6pm and 8-10pm. Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm. Please note adult only hours from 9-10pm Monday to Friday.

Kiddies pool

The kiddies pool is already proving popular and is specifically aimed at toddlers. It is located in the same complex as the main swimming pool. There are little features in the pool including waterfalls and pictures. A height restriction of 1.2 metres applies.

Astro turf

The new Astro turf pitch is a welcome facility and already has caught the imagination of sports enthusiasts and groups in the community. People using it will have access to the changing rooms and showers in the complex, which had all been completely refurbished.

Power Plate

A new revolution has happened at Cavan Leisure Complex with the arrival of the futuristic compressed air Power Plate Machine. It is an exercise machine that vibrates at high speed. Using the power plate when working out can increase the efficiency of your workout.

By using it as little as three times a week, the plate can help you accelerate weight loss and combat cellulite, improves muscle strength and tone, fights osteoporosis and helps build bone density. It also improves flexibility and circulation and relaxation and general wellbeing.

Bookings are being taken for the machine and users can also book the studio for a private workout on the machine with one of their fully qualified power plate instructors.

Sportshall areas

Then in the sports hall an additional level has been added to the self contained expansive rooms at the rear of the hall.

These areas are now available for hire and the top level is facilitating a large number of different classes and courses. This is now a multi-purpose area. Classes include drama, aerobics, circuit training, yoga, Irish dancing, judo, gymnastics and kickboxing.

Fitness suite

The large gym incorporates a modern fitness sweet and features a comprehensive array of cardiovascular, resistant machines and free weights.

Swimming pool

The 25-metre L-shape swimming pool continues to be popular with all ages and is constantly booked out with school groups, swim clubs and swimming lessons.

Disability access

There is now a disabled hoist at the pool side, which lifts people in and out of the water and means wheelchairs users can now access the pool.

New equipment has been added to the changing rooms to facilitate wheelchair users, and this includes a hoist which facilitates the lifting of people out of wheelchairs and to a couch.

Every effort has been made to facilitate people with a disability.

Swimming lessons

Intensive swimming lessons are provided during the Easter school holidays and the summer (July and August). Young people will be swimming intensively every day for a week and bookings are now being taken at the complex reception. It is a first come first served basis.

staff

The complex is providing valuable employment in the area. Ann Coyle is the general manager and Julie Cornell is the administration manager. There are 10 full-time staff members, who include duty managers, and there is a total of 22 part-time staff.

All staff are trained to a high standard and anyone working poolside has National Pool Lifeguard qualifications, swimming qualifications and teaching qualifications. Ann Coyle says they obtain all their top class training on site and she is proud of the fact that they are an excellent training centre for the county.

Students from the Sport and Leisure course in the Cavan Institute regularly find employment at the complex. Many of them do their work experience there.

Staff working in the gym are all qualified fitness instructors.

Membership

The yearly adult membership is €500, and that covers unlimited use of the gym and the swimming pool and all the facilities. You can also have pool only, or gym only membership for €300.

Membership for senior citizens costs €350, and if they want gym or pool only, the fee is €215. The student yearly membership is €350, and if they want gym or pool only, the membership is €215.

There is also a six-month membership for €300 for gym and swim, (gym only or pool only €200), or a one-month membership that covers gym and swim is €65 or people can pay as they go.

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