Numbers at Fife sports centres down 50% as COVID restrictions hit charitable trust
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But, Fife Sport and Leisure Trust (FSLT) still recorded almost 300,000 visits to its centres across the region before being forced to close once more.
The charitable trust said that despite the drop in numbers - which it anticipated - there were high levels of confidence shown in its measures to keep users and staff safe during the pandemic.
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Hide AdThe figures, which covered a 15-week period up to December 23, showed an overall attendance of 294,894 reflecting the phased re-opening of its facilities and limited programme delivery, as well as the introduction of Level 3 restrictions across Fife.
Occupancy rates compared to pre-COVID levels of an average of 49,000 attendances per week show that usage was down by approximately 50 per cent.
Eight of the trust’s swimming pools were available but had limitations on numbers due to social distancing, 11 gyms saw consistent occupancy with around 32 per cent of normal occupancy, and, during the nine weeks of its group fitness programme availability, there was 52 per cent usage.
By mid-October, the trust was able to re-introduce children’s swimming lessons with over 6000 participants enrolled on the Learn to Swim programme.
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Hide AdSatisfaction surveys showed consistently high scores in social distancing and health and safety measures, as well as staff implementation of relevant protocols.
Scott Urquhart, the trust’s sports and physical activity team manager, said: “Unsurprisingly, our attendance levels were down as we rolled out our phased re-opening programme, faced limitations on which facilities and programmes we could deliver, and, accommodate social “Feedback shows that users felt comfortable with the safety measures we had in place and we are confident that once restrictions are lifted, we will be in a strong position to make available our venues for local communities.”And he added: “While our doors remain closed, I’d encourage people to visit our website to take advantage of our online fitness sessions and 100 Mile Step Challenge to continue to experience the benefits of physical activity.”